Ahmedabad: 56-year-old man from Shilaj killed for ₹5L, nephew held from Udaipur

Ahmedabad: A 56-year-old man was allegedly murdered by his nephew at an apartment in Shilaj on Tuesday, with police suspecting the motive was the theft of Rs 5 lakh kept at the house.

The victim, Manish Choksi, was found dead in his flat at Avnish Heights on Tuesday morning. Police said he lived with his son, Samarth, and nephew, Vraj Soni, who went missing after the incident.

According to Bopal police, Choksi was involved in the photography and videography business. Preliminary investigation suggests the murder took place before 9.30am. Police said Samarth had returned home late on Monday night after work and was asleep when the murder took place.

When Choksi did not go for his usual morning walk, his friends called Samarth. On checking, Samarth found his father lying in a pool of blood with multiple injuries on his body.

Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from the apartment building, which showed Soni leaving the premises carrying a bag. Police said his disappearance after the incident, and the footage, raised suspicion about his involvement. Police said Samarth had recently brought home Rs 5 lakh, and Soni was aware of it.

Investigators suspect Soni allegedly attacked his uncle to steal the cash. Officials said Soni’s parents had earlier lived in Ghatlodia before moving to Vadodara, while Soni had been staying with the Choksi family in Shilaj.

During the inquiry, police also found that Soni was allegedly spending money on liquor and gambling and was under financial stress due to debt. Using CCTV footage and technical surveillance, Ahmedabad police traced Soni to Udaipur with help from Udaipur police. He was detained on Tuesday and was being brought to Ahmedabad for questioning late at night. Police said the victim had injuries on the face and other parts of the body.

Police have not yet determined how the attack unfolded or what weapon was used. A murder case has been filed and further investigation is underway.