Rajkot: A minor altercation over speeding on a motorcycle escalated into the murder of a cop’s 32-year-old nephew in Nanamava area of Rajkot on Wednesday night. It raises a question about the safety of police families in the city.The incident took place around 9pm on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Krushnasinh Jadeja. His 72-year-old grand-uncle, Rehendrasinh Jadeja, was also allegedly assaulted when he tried to intervene and suffered serious injuries. Rehendrasinh’s son, Gopalsinh Jadeja, serves as a head constable at University police station.According to police, the accused, Ranjitsinh Vala, reached Krushnasinh’s house with his two sons and allegedly opened fire. Four rounds were fired, killing Krushnasinh.Within hours of the incident, Rajkot city crime branch arrested Ranjitsinh Vala and his son Rajvirsinh Vala from the Rajkot-Bhavnagar highway. The minor son, who is also an accused in the case, will be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board.Based on a complaint filed by the victim’s cousin, Kuldipsinh Jadeja with Rajkot taluka police station under BNS sections 103 (1), 118 (2), 352 and 3 (5), an offence was registered against Ranjitsinh, his two sons and others who may be identified during the investigation.As per the complaint, Krushnasinh had objected to the minor accused riding a Bullet motorcycle at high speed in the locality. When Krushnasinh repeatedly asked him to slow down, the minor allegedly abused him, following which Krushnasinh slapped him.The minor then informed his elder brother, Rajvirsinh, who also got into an argument with Krushnasinh. During this exchange, Krushnasinh allegedly slapped Rajvirsinh too. The brothers later informed their father, Ranjitsinh, about the incident.Police said Ranjitsinh then arrived at Krushnasinh’s house with both sons. As soon as Krushnasinh came out, Ranjitsinh allegedly picked a fight with him and assaulted him. He then allegedly fired four rounds. The complaint states that the father and both sons attacked Krushnasinh together, leaving him critically injured.Krushnasinh was rushed to a hospital where doctors declared him dead. Rehendrasinh, who tried to save Krushnasinh, was allegedly hit on the head with the butt of a gun. The complaint also alleges that the accused threatened others at gunpoint and warned them of dire consequences.Krushnasinh was associated with the hotel sector in Dhrangadhra of Surendranagar district. He is survived by a son and a daughter. The police are still probing whether the weapon used in the offence was licenced or not.
