Shahpur police arrest accused after multi-city search

On December 11, the Shahpur Police, in coordination with the Local Crime Branch (LCB) Zone-02, cracked the murder case of 30-year-old Nihal Patel within days of the incident, arresting the accused, Jay alias Sahil Oza (25), from a train in Mehsana.  

The crime, which sent shockwaves across the city, occurred on December 8 outside the Municipal School near Shahpur Darwaza. Nihal Patel, a resident of Ghatlodia, was attacked with a sharp weapon, sustaining severe injuries to his upper back, abdomen, and waist. Despite efforts by medical staff at Asarwa Civil Hospital, Patel succumbed to his injuries the following day.  

A complaint was promptly lodged at the Shahpur police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, sparking an intensive investigation. Evidence pointed to Oza’s presence with Patel at the time of the incident. However, when police reached Oza’s residence in Ranip, they discovered he had fled.  

A multi-city manhunt ensued as police tracked Oza’s movements. Initial leads suggested he had escaped to Haridwar. A team was dispatched to the city while other officials remained on standby. Subsequently, it emerged that Oza, having exhausted his funds, returned to Gujarat and sought refuge at a relative's house. Acting swiftly, the police apprehended him from a train in Mehsana.  

Senior Police Inspector P.B. Khambhala and Second Police Inspector P V Vaghela led the operation, employing advanced technical analysis and hours of CCTV footage to trace the accused’s trail.  

P B Khambhala of Shahpur Police inspector stated, “Investigations uncovered a personal motive behind the crime. Nihal Patel and Jay Oza were close friends who often met at Patel’s Amul Parlor in Shahpur. On the night of the incident, a heated argument erupted when Patel allegedly made offensive remarks about Oza’s mother.”  

“Despite Oza’s efforts to reconcile, Patel reportedly remained unyielding. Overcome with rage, Oza returned to his Ranip residence, retrieved a knife, and attacked Patel outside the school gate before fleeing the scene. “ further said P B Khambhala, Shahpur Police inspector.