A joyous New Year's Eve celebration in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur city turned into a horrific tragedy following a violent altercation over a financial transaction. A businessman from Rajasthan stabbed a local jeweller and his wife to death before fatally shooting himself, police confirmed on Thursday.
Chilling Details of the Double Murder and Suicide
The incident unfolded around 8:30 pm on Wednesday, December 31st, at a residence in the Gol Chauraha area. According to Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar Meena, the victims, jeweller Dilip Jain and his wife Rekha Jain, both in their mid to late 50s, were in a festive mood awaiting the New Year.
The assailant, identified as Vikas Soni (45), a resident of Nimbahera in Rajasthan, arrived in Mandsaur on a scooter. A dispute over a financial matter escalated, leading Soni to attack the couple with a knife. Both Dilip and Rekha Jain succumbed to their injuries. Following the brutal attack, Vikas Soni used a firearm to take his own life at the same location.
Police Investigation and Immediate Aftermath
Police swiftly responded to the scene. The scooter used by Soni has been seized, and the room where the twin murder and suicide occurred has been sealed. SP Meena informed that family members of the deceased couple are being questioned. The sealed room will be opened in their presence to verify if any jewellery or cash was stored inside.
The shocking event triggered immediate reactions from the local community. Members of the Jain community briefly halted the hearse carrying the bodies at Sardar Vallabhbhai Chowk. They submitted a memorandum to the local administration demanding an impartial and thorough investigation into the incident.
Community Protest and Business Impact
Expressing grief and outrage, bullion traders in Mandsaur kept their shops closed for half a day on Thursday as a mark of protest against the brutal murders. This collective action underscored the deep impact of the crime on the local business community and the demand for justice.
The police investigation is ongoing, focusing on the exact nature of the financial transaction that led to the extreme violence, turning a night of celebration into one of profound loss for the families and the city of Mandsaur.
