Surat Man's Video Plan Fails Miserably in Wife's Tragic Death
A shocking case from Surat has taken a grim turn. What a 31-year-old man thought would clear his name has instead sealed his fate. Ranjit Sah believed filming his wife's self-immolation would prove his innocence. Instead, that very video became the key evidence against him.
From Recording to Arrest
Police in Ichhapore arrested Ranjit Sah on Thursday. They charged him with abetment to suicide. The arrest came after a detailed investigation into his wife Pratima Devi's death. She died on January 11 from severe burns suffered a week earlier.
Inspector A C Gohil of Ichhapore police explained the situation. "Ranjit started recording a video at the time of the incident," he said. "He believed this would serve as proof that he was not involved and that the victim had taken the step on her own." That plan collapsed completely under police scrutiny.
A Love Story Turned Tragic
The couple's story began with family connections. Ranjit, originally from Bihar, first met Pratima through relatives. His cousin married her sister back in 2010. Family gatherings brought them together frequently. They developed feelings for each other over time.
In 2013, they decided to elope to Surat after a court marriage. Their families eventually accepted the union. The couple settled in Ichhapore and started a life together. They had three children over the years. Ranjit worked as a mechanic to support the family. Pratima managed the household and cared for their kids.
Mounting Tensions and a Fatal Argument
Police reports indicate the relationship began deteriorating after the birth of their third child. Frequent arguments over domestic issues became commonplace. The situation reached a breaking point on January 4.
That day, Ranjit discovered their two sons had damaged wheat a neighbor was drying on a terrace. He became furious. He scolded the children harshly. Then he barred them from going outside or attending school as punishment.
Pratima strongly objected to this decision. A bitter quarrel erupted between the couple. During the heated argument, Ranjit allegedly told his wife to set herself on fuel kept in the house. Diesel was stored there because Ranjit used it for his mechanic work. The family sometimes used it as an insecticide too.
A Literal Interpretation with Deadly Consequences
Tragically, Pratima took her husband's words literally. She began pouring diesel on herself right there in their home. Then she set herself ablaze. Instead of trying to save her, Ranjit pulled out his phone. He started recording the horrific scene.
Pratima suffered catastrophic burns. She fought for her life for a week in the hospital but succumbed to her injuries on January 11. The video Ranjit made to protect himself became central to the police investigation.
Police Build Their Case
Investigators examined the footage carefully. They noted Ranjit's decision to film rather than assist. They considered the context of the domestic dispute. They reviewed statements from neighbors and family members about the couple's troubled relationship.
The evidence pointed clearly toward abetment to suicide. Police determined Ranjit's actions and words contributed directly to Pratima's desperate act. His attempt to create an alibi through video documentation failed completely. The recording became damning evidence instead of exonerating proof.
This tragic case highlights several serious issues:
- Domestic violence and its potentially fatal consequences
- The psychological impact of constant quarrels on family members
- How digital evidence can work against those who create it
- The legal consequences of abetment in suicide cases
The investigation continues as police prepare their case for court. Ranjit Sah remains in custody facing serious charges. Three children now face life without their mother, their father facing prison. A family torn apart by arguments, harsh words, and one fateful recording.
