Primary school teacher’s murder: Husband held for killing wife near Dholka

The mystery surrounding the discovery of a semi-burnt body of a 40-year-old woman near a Narmada canal embankment in Dholka taluka was solved within hours after police detained and questioned her husband, who allegedly confessed to the murder.

The deceased was identified as Rinaben Zala, a primary school teacher and resident of Badrakha village. Her partially burnt body was found near the canal between Keliya Vasna and Shekhdi villages in Ahmedabad district.

According to police, Rinaben had left her village on June 2 along with her husband, Baldev Zala, for census-related work. Both were government school teachers, with Baldev serving as a headmaster.

After Rinaben failed to return home, Baldev reportedly informed her brother that she had gone missing following the census duty and that her mobile phone had been switched off. Acting on the information, family members approached the police, who launched a search operation.

Investigators subsequently traced the body to Rinaben and began questioning family members, including her husband. Police sources said Baldev initially failed to cooperate during interrogation and allegedly gave inconsistent responses.

As officers intensified questioning, Baldev allegedly admitted to the crime. According to the police investigation, the couple became involved in an argument while travelling for census work. During the altercation, Baldev allegedly forced Rinaben to get off their vehicle and assaulted her with stones, causing fatal injuries.

Police further alleged that after killing his wife, Baldev attempted to destroy evidence by using petrol from his Activa scooter and setting the body on fire before abandoning it near the canal embankment.

Investigators said the couple had been experiencing frequent marital discord for several years. Family sources indicated that their two children often sided with their mother during disputes, leaving Baldev isolated within the household. Police believe recurring disagreements over domestic matters and family decisions may have been the motive behind the murder.

The couple had been married for around 20 years and were both employed in government schools.

Following the incident, Baldev allegedly visited a library in his native village before returning home. He later contacted Rinaben’s brother, claiming that she was missing, and subsequently joined efforts to search for her in an apparent attempt to deflect suspicion, police said.

The accused has been taken into custody and further investigation is underway. Police are also awaiting the detailed post-mortem report, which is expected to provide additional forensic evidence in the case.