Bhavnagar ACF arrested for murdering wife, two children, bodies found buried behind official quarters

In a case that has sent shockwaves across Gujarat’s Forest Department and police establishment, an Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) posted in Bhavnagar has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife and two young children and burying their bodies in two pits he had secretly dug behind his government quarters. The murders, police said, were falsely projected as a case of missing persons for nearly a week.

Police investigation revealed that ACF Shaileshbhai Bachubhai Khambhala, a resident of Forest Colony on Talaja Highway, allegedly killed his wife Nayanaben (42), daughter Pruthva (13) and son Bhavya (9 years) sometime between the night of 5 November and the early hours of 6 November 2025. He later approached the Bharatnagar Police Station and filed a missing person complaint, claiming that his family had disappeared from home while he was away on duty.

The ‘missing family’ complaint raised suspicion

According to ASI Hiren Sodhatar, who lodged the official police complaint on behalf of the State, the case began on 7 November, when ACF Khambhala filed a missing person report stating that his wife and children had vanished, leaving even their mobile phone behind at home.

Police began standard missing-person procedures: collecting photographs, issuing wireless alerts, checking CCTV footage around Forest Colony, bus stands and other public places. However, discrepancies soon emerged.

Investigators found inconsistencies in the text messages Khambhala claimed were sent by his wife. Analysis of the language, tone and content of the WhatsApp messages strongly suggested they were fabricated. Further, the call detail records (CDRs) of Nayanaben’s phone showed it had never left Bhavnagar, even though Khambhala claimed the family had gone somewhere without informing him.

A breakthrough came when police questioned Forest Department staff. Statements of RFO Amitbhai Hardasbhai Vaniya, forest guard Vishalbhai Panot, and JCB operator Girishbhai Baldaniya revealed that on 2 November 2025, four days before Khambhala filed the missing complaint, he had personally instructed them to dig two large pits behind his residential quarters — one measuring about 5×5×5 feet.

He later ordered them to refill the pits with soil and have the area levelled using dumpers of moram. Workers confirmed he had insisted no one should come close to the pits, warning them about snakes.

This testimony deepened investigators’ suspicion that the pits may be connected to the disappearance of the family.

Bodies discovered during excavation

On 16 November, in the presence of a Deputy Superintendent of Police, panch witnesses, a videographer and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) officers, police began excavating the refilled pits.

Within minutes of digging, a foul smell surfaced. Soon, three decomposed bodies were recovered — later identified by relatives as those of:

1. Nayanaben Shaileshbhai Khambhala (42)

2. Pruthva Shaileshbhai Khambhala (13)

3. Bhavya Shaileshbhai Khambhala (9 years)

A dog squad also traced scent trails leading directly into Khambhala’s house, particularly around the sofa and the bedroom settee, indicating the murders took place inside the residence.

Attempt to destroy evidence and mislead the police

Police allege that Khambhala:

• Murdered his wife and children at home
• Dug and prepared the pits in advance
• Buried the bodies himself
• Covered them using mattresses and soil
• Levelled the ground to erase signs of digging
• Destroyed evidence inside the house
• Filed a false missing-person complaint
• Sent misleading messages from his wife’s phone to create a false trail
• Made false allegations against state officers to divert suspicion

Case registered; ACF arrested

Based on the findings, Bharatnagar Police registered an FIR under the following sections of the BNS, 302 (murder), 201 (destruction of evidence), 203 (giving false information to screen offender) and Other relevant sections. The three bodies have been sent to Sir T Hospital, Bhavnagar, for post-mortem examination.

Forest Department shocked

Senior officers in the Forest Department described the incident as “unprecedented and horrifying,” stating they were fully cooperating with police. A departmental suspension and inquiry process is expected to begin.

Probe continues

Police teams are examining call records, financial details, digital footprints and possible motives behind the triple murder. Investigators are also verifying whether Khambhala acted alone or if any other person had prior knowledge of the crime.

Police said the case reflects “premeditation, planning and an attempt to mislead the system,” and that further charges may be added based on forensic findings and post-mortem results. More details are expected as the investigation progresses.