The Ahmedabad Crime Branch cracked a 34-year-old murder case with forensic investigation and DNA proof, leading to the apprehension of two suspects linked to the disappearance and killing of Farzana Radhanpuri in 1992 from Vatva. Acting on specific information, authorities excavated human remains from Qutubnagar, Vatva, confirming the victim’s identity through DNA matching with her brother’s samples.
Investigators revealed that Farzana, married to Shamsuddin Khedawala, faced marital discord due to personal issues, allegedly leading to her murder by Shamsuddin, his brother Iqbal Khedawala, Abdul Karim Javarawala, and Saliyabibi Pathan in 1992. The victim was reportedly strangled at Saliyabibi’s residence before being buried at the same location to conceal the crime. The case, unsolved for over three decades, was reopened based on fresh leads and witness accounts.
Legal actions have been initiated against the surviving accused, Shamsuddin and Iqbal, who have been arrested and charged under IPC Sections 302, 201, and 120(B). Assistant Commissioner of Police Bharat Patel praised the Crime Branch’s use of technical surveillance, old evidence, witness statements, and DNA technology in unraveling the long-standing murder mystery. The investigation continues to unfold more details.
