Rajkot: A tragic incident that occurred 43 days ago in Sokhda village near Rajkot has now turned into a murder case. Varshaben Madhavbhai Gotiya, a 34-year-old woman, succumbed to her injuries after a prolonged battle following an acid attack. The Kuwadva Road Police, who had initially arrested the accused, Prakash Pravin Sarvaiya, will now add murder charges to the case.

The incident stemmed from a failed engagement. Prakash Sarvaiya was engaged to Parasben, Varshaben’s cousin. However, Parasben eloped and married another man, leaving Prakash enraged. Consumed by anger, Prakash repeatedly visited Varshaben’s home, demanding information about Parasben’s whereabouts and engaging in heated arguments.

On January 21st, Prakash arrived at Varshaben’s residence again. Accusing the family of withholding Parasben’s address, he threw acid from a steel container at Varshaben. Varshaben’s young daughter narrowly escaped the attack. Varshaben suffered severe burns to her head, chest, thighs, and back. Prakash fled the scene, leaving Varshaben in critical condition.

Varshaben was rushed to a private hospital in Rajkot for treatment. Upon learning of the incident, the Kuwadva Road Police, led by Police Inspector B.P. Rojiya, registered a case and arrested Prakash Sarvaiya. He was subsequently sent to judicial custody.

After battling her injuries for 43 days, Varshaben tragically passed away, plunging her family into grief. As a result of her death, the police are now upgrading the charges against Prakash Sarvaiya to murder. The investigation is ongoing. DeshGujarat