Rajkot Woman Murder: Convict Out On Bail Allegedly Kills 76-Year-Old After Failed Sexual Assault

A 76-year-old woman who was begging outside a temple on Kuwadwa Road was allegedly abducted, assaulted and killed by a 33-year-old autorickshaw driver, with police alleging that the accused had previously been convicted and sentenced to death in the rape and murder of a minor girl.

The woman, identified as Leelaben Solanki, was allegedly taken away in an autorickshaw on August 19. Police said the accused, Ramesh Vaidhukia, allegedly assaulted her, took her towards Aji Dam and killed her before disposing of her body near the dam.

Woman Allegedly Taken Away From Temple

According to the investigation, Leelaben was sitting outside the Saat Hanuman temple on Kuwadwa Road when Vaidhukia allegedly approached her in his autorickshaw.

Police said he offered her a ride, reportedly addressing her as “maji”. After an argument over the fare, he allegedly made her board the autorickshaw and assaulted her during the journey.

The accused allegedly took her towards Aji Dam, where he attempted to sexually assault her inside the autorickshaw.

Police allege that the attempted assault failed and that Vaidhukia then attacked Leelaben, killing her.

Body Allegedly Dumped Near Aji Dam

After the alleged killing, the accused reportedly covered the woman's body with a sack and dumped it near the banks of Aji Dam.

Police said he then returned towards Kotharia and allegedly slept near the main road before resuming his autorickshaw work the following day.

The investigation into the case was initially conducted by Aji Dam police before being handed over to Bhaktinagar police.

Police Inspector J D Parmar and investigation officer Nilesh Makwana are working to collect evidence in the case. Police are expected to seek the accused's remand as the investigation progresses.

Accused Previously Sentenced To Death

Police said Vaidhukia had previously been convicted by the Rajkot Sessions Court in the kidnapping, rape and murder of a three-year-old girl and sentenced to death.

The High Court subsequently ordered his release.

According to the police investigation, Vaidhukia allegedly committed the latest offence around two-and-a-half months after coming out of prison.

Police are now examining his previous criminal cases, conduct and circumstances surrounding the alleged offence.

Police Focus On Evidence

Investigators have indicated that they intend to build a strong evidentiary case and avoid gaps that could affect the prosecution.

Police may also seek assistance from a psychologist or psychiatrist to understand the accused's behaviour and circumstances surrounding the alleged crimes.

The authorities are also examining whether there were any other incidents involving the accused that may have gone unreported.

‘Mistake’ Repeated, Police Say

According to the investigation, Vaidhukia is unmarried and has been living a largely unsettled life. He reportedly has two sisters and an elder brother, all of whom are married.

Police said he did not regularly stay at his family home and often slept near Kotharia Chowkdi.

During questioning, the accused allegedly described his actions as a “mistake”. Investigators are now working to establish the full sequence of events and gather corroborative evidence before proceeding further.

The investigation is underway.