A disagreement over a small sum of money, reportedly a few hundred rupees, escalated into a fatal incident in Dholka, Gujarat. A 33-year-old migrant worker from Bihar was allegedly killed by his co-worker, who initially tried to mislead police by claiming that an unidentified person had committed the murder.
The incident came to light on Sunday evening when the 112 emergency response team received a call reporting a man's body lying inside a room at the Darbar Ginning unit on the Kheda-Bagodara Highway near Dholka. Police rushed to the spot after the caller, identified as Roshan Kumar Shah, informed the control room that his friend was found dead.
On reaching the room, officers discovered the body of Rajlal Hasda, 33, a native of Bihar, with a deep injury to his neck caused by a sharp-edged weapon. Senior officers were alerted and an investigation was launched. Initially, Shah told police that he had discovered his friend's body and suspected someone else had killed him.
However, during interrogation, police noticed inconsistencies in his statements. Investigators said Shah eventually broke down and confessed to the crime. According to police, Shah and Hasda were from the same village in Bihar's Purnia district and had traveled together to Ahmedabad in search of work. They were staying in a room on the Darbar Ginning premises in Dholka.
Dholka police inspector Abhishek Dhavan said the two had agreed to share travel and related expenses incurred during their journey. A dispute later arose over repayment of a small amount, estimated between Rs 300 and Rs 500. Police said that on June 7, an argument broke out between the two over the money. During the altercation, Hasda allegedly abused Shah, who became enraged.
Investigators said Shah pushed Hasda to the ground, then picked up a knife lying in the room and slit his throat. Even after Hasda sustained the injury and collapsed, Shah allegedly climbed on top of him, leading to his death, police said. A murder case has been registered by Dholka Rural police, and the accused was arrested. Further investigation is underway.
