Cop’s parents murdered during robbery at Banaskantha farmhouse

An elderly couple was found murdered at their farmhouse in Jasra village, Lakhani taluka, Banaskantha. Police said the incident appears to be a case of violent robbery. The victims, Vardhaji Motiji Patel and Hoshiben Patel, were the parents of Police Inspector A V Patel, currently posted with the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) in Gandhinagar.

According to police, the incident occurred late on Sunday night. The couple had been asleep on cots on their veranda, when unidentified intruders attacked them with sharp weapons. Police said both victims sustained multiple fatal injuries and died on the spot. 

The intruders also reportedly entered the house, broke open a cupboard and a safe, and stole gold and silver ornaments. They also cut Hoshiben to steal her silver anklets and gold jewellery from her wrists and neck., police said. 

Discovery and investigation

The crime came to light on Monday morning when family members arrived to accompany the couple to a social function and discovered the bodies. Banaskantha police, including officer Akshayraj Makwana, responded to the scene and initiated an investigation.

Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams and the Dog Squad were deployed, and multiple teams have been formed to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Preliminary findings indicate that the motive was robbery.

“We are examining all angles and reviewing available evidence. It appears the assailants had prior knowledge of the family's movements and valuables,” said a senior police official involved in the investigation.

No arrests have been made so far. Police said the investigation is ongoing and multiple teams have been formed to trace the assailants.