The man’s body was discovered by his son
Ahmedabad: A 61-year-old retired Gujarat secretariat employee was found murdered inside his locked flat at Priyanka Gold Society on Ambod highway in Mansa on Tuesday. Investigators are therefore examining whether the killing was a result of a personal dispute and whether the assailant was known to Babulal.
Babulal’s son, Harish, became concerned when his father’s mobile phone remained switched off since Tuesday morning, according to police. Police said Babulal had injuries to the head, apparently made with a blunt and heavy object. The kitchen gas stove was found switched on, with khichdi being cooked, suggesting that Babulal had been at home shortly before the incident, police said. Mansa police inspector J B Khambhal said inquiries were being conducted with neighbours and family members. Police said there were no apparent signs of a struggle or robbery and the household belongings appeared intact.
Police suspect he was killed by someone known to him as no valuables or household items appeared to have been taken. He went to the flat and opened the door with a spare key, only to find his father lying in a pool of blood on the bed. A forensic science laboratory team examined the scene and collected evidence. The circumstances indicated that the murder may have taken place around Tuesday morning. Senior police officers, including the Mansa deputy superintendent of police and the police inspector, visited the crime scene.
A tenant living across the door in Babulal’s other flat told police that he had handed over three months’ pending rent to Babulal at around 11am on Tuesday.
Retired Peon Babulal Dodiyal’s Property Holdings in Gandhinagar
Babulal Dodiyal, who retired as a peon in 2023, resides with his family in Gandhinagar. He owns two flats in the Mansa society; one of these properties is currently rented out, while he frequently visits the other flat.