Alleged abduction and killing near Aji Dam shocks Rajkot
Rajkot police are investigating the alleged abduction, assault and killing of a 76-year-old woman who was sitting outside the Saat Hanuman temple on Kuwadwa Road. The victim has been identified as Leelaben Solanki. Police say a 33-year-old autorickshaw driver, Ramesh Vaidhukia, has been arrested in connection with the case.
According to the police investigation, Leelaben was approached by the accused on August 19 while she was begging outside the temple. The accused reportedly offered her a ride and, after a dispute over the fare, made her board his autorickshaw. Police allege that she was assaulted en route and taken towards Aji Dam.
Police said the accused attempted to sexually assault Leelaben inside the autorickshaw. When the attempt allegedly failed, the accused attacked her and killed her. The body was then allegedly placed in a sack and dumped near the banks of Aji Dam, police added.
- Victim: Leelaben Solanki, 76, reportedly begging outside Saat Hanuman temple, Kuwadwa Road.
- Accused: Ramesh Vaidhukia, 33, autorickshaw driver; arrested by police.
- Incident date: Allegedly taken on August 19; body dumped near Aji Dam.
- Investigating units: Case initially handled by Aji Dam police, later transferred to Bhaktinagar police.
- Investigating officers named: Police Inspector J D Parmar and investigation officer Nilesh Makwana.
Police said the accused had previously been convicted by the Rajkot Sessions Court in the kidnapping, rape and murder of a three-year-old girl and sentenced to death; the High Court subsequently ordered his release.
Previous conviction and the court order
Police have stated that Vaidhukia was earlier convicted by the Rajkot Sessions Court in the kidnapping, rape and murder of a three-year-old girl and had been sentenced to death. The High Court later ordered his release. According to the police timeline, the accused allegedly committed the latest offence about two-and-a-half months after being released from custody.
The investigation into the present case was initially conducted by Aji Dam police before being transferred to Bhaktinagar police, who are continuing evidence collection. Police said they expect to seek the accused's remand as inquiries progress.
| Key event | Details |
|---|---|
| Alleged abduction | Leelaben approached on Kuwadwa Road outside Saat Hanuman temple; offered ride; boarded autorickshaw |
| Alleged assault and killing | Assault during journey; attempted sexual assault inside autorickshaw; killed near Aji Dam; body dumped near dam banks |
| Previous conviction | Convicted by Rajkot Sessions Court in kidnapping, rape and murder of a three-year-old; sentenced to death; released by High Court order |
| Investigating agencies | Aji Dam police (initial), Bhaktinagar police (continuing investigation); named officers J D Parmar and Nilesh Makwana |
The case has prompted concern in local neighbourhoods, particularly because of the accused's criminal history and the vulnerability of the victim. Police have not released further forensic or motive details while they continue to collect evidence and finalise charges. They said they will seek the accused's remand and pursue the legal process as the probe develops.
Authorities and residents in Rajkot will be closely watching how the investigation addresses questions around the earlier conviction, the High Court’s release order and any lapses in monitoring that may have allowed an alleged repeat offender to reoffend. For now, the police focus remains on establishing the full chain of events and completing the formalities required for prosecution.
