A 20-year-old college student was murdered in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar district after he blackmailed a married woman with a video of her bathing, police said. The woman’s husband strangled the victim with a scarf and a cable while she restrained him, before the couple disposed of the body in a sack.

Blackmail led to fatal confrontation

The victim, Hardik Thakor, lived near the accused couple’s home. Police allege he filmed the woman bathing approximately two months ago and used the recording to coerce her into a sexual relationship. The woman, fearing social disgrace, complied with his demands.

The husband, a fan repairman and wiring technician, discovered the blackmail after overhearing his wife speaking to Hardik on the phone. Though the couple initially considered informing Hardik’s family, they decided against it to avoid reputational harm. Instead, they planned his murder.

Murder executed on July 11

On the morning of July 11, the woman lured Hardik to their home under the pretense that her husband was away. At 9:10 am, Hardik told his father he was visiting a plot of land in Parbatpura but instead went to the couple’s residence. The husband, who had feigned leaving for work, entered the house, pinned Hardik down, and strangled him with a scarf. The woman held the victim’s hands during the attack.

After confirming Hardik’s death, the husband allegedly strangled him again with a fan cable. The couple then placed the body in a plastic sack, locked the house, and fled on their motorcycle. They later collected their three children from school, left them at the woman’s father’s home, and prepared to leave the city.

Investigation and arrests

Hardik’s father, Rameshji Thakor, filed a police complaint, leading to a post-mortem that confirmed death by strangulation. Investigators recovered no evidence of the alleged video, as the husband destroyed Hardik’s phone in a fit of rage and discarded it roadside. Police have arrested the couple and will seek remand to recover the phone.

Kalol Taluka police have registered a murder case against the accused. The investigation is ongoing.