Caretaker killed in Memnagar housing society after repeated harassment allegations, neighbour held

A 50-year-old caretaker was allegedly bludgeoned to death inside a residential complex in Memnagar in the early hours of Wednesday, with police stating that the accused neighbour acted after repeated complaints of harassment involving his family.

The incident occurred at Empire Tower in the Memnagar area of Ahmedabad, where the victim, identified as Kanjibhai Chauhan, was found lying in a pool of blood in the parking area with severe head injuries.

According to the complaint filed by a resident, Chauhan, who worked in the society carrying out odd jobs such as cleaning vehicles and assisting residents, was discovered by a security guard early in the morning. Emergency services were alerted, but he was declared dead at the scene.

Police said preliminary investigation and CCTV footage led them to detain a resident, Ritvik Vinaybhai Jaymalani, who was seen moving towards the parking area between 2 and 3 am carrying a bag suspected to contain a heavy object.

During questioning, investigators learnt that there had been ongoing disputes between the victim and the accused. Police sources said Chauhan allegedly used to bathe in the open area outside the accused’s residence and had, on multiple occasions, behaved in an obscene manner towards the accused’s mother and sister.

“Despite repeated warnings and even complaints raised within the society, the deceased allegedly continued the behaviour,” an officer said. “The accused has claimed he acted to ‘teach him a lesson’, which escalated into a fatal assault.”

Investigators believe Chauhan, who routinely slept in the parking area, was attacked with a blunt object while resting there.

A case of murder has been registered, and the accused has been detained for further questioning. The weapon used in the crime is yet to be recovered.

The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and forensic teams have collected evidence from the scene. Police said statements of residents and family members are being recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.

Officials added that while the accused has cited provocation, the exact sequence of events and legal culpability will be determined after a detailed probe.