Man sentenced to life term for murdering sister over property dispute

A City Civil and Sessions Court in Ahmedabad has sentenced a 43-year-old man to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his sister and the attempted murder of his father and nephew. The incident, which took place in June 2022, was reportedly motivated by a long-standing property dispute.

According to court records, the convict, Madansinh (also known as Mahendrasinh) Shetansinh Chavda, resided on the second floor of their house in Ramol with his family. His elderly father, Shetansinh Chavda (76), his sister Manharben, and her son Vanshraj lived on the ground floor. The accused frequently quarreled with them, demanding they vacate the premises.

On the night of June 10, 2022, when the victims were asleep outside in the veranda, Madansinh attacked his sister with a sharp blade. When his father and nephew tried to intervene, the accused attacked them as well, causing severe injuries to their stomach, face, and hands. Manharben was declared dead upon arrival at L G Hospital.

The prosecution  presented 18 witnesses and 25 documents including medical reports and the recovery of the murder weapon—a machine blade hidden under a sofa. Although the nephew, Vanshraj, turned hostile during the trial, the court relied on the credible testimony of the injured father and corroborated medical evidence.

The court found Madansinh guilty under Section 302 (Murder) and Section 307 (Attempt to Murder) of the Indian Penal Code. For the murder of his sister, he was sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000. For the attempted murder of his father and nephew, he received an additional 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a ₹5,000 fine.