Tragic Murder Of Nurse In Rajkot: Neighbor Arrested In Attempted Assault Case
Rajkot: In a shocking crime that has unsettled the city of Rajkot, a 53-year-old nurse was brutally murdered on Monday night in her rented home near University Road. Police have arrested 34-year-old Kanji Bhimabhai Vanja, a laborer and married man, who allegedly entered the woman’s home with intent to commit sexual assault.
The victim, Chaulaben Tribhovandas Patel, had recently moved to Rajkot from Ahmedabad after being transferred to Saurashtra Cancer Hospital, where she worked as a nurse. Patel was living alone on the upper floor of a house in the Rishikesh Park-2 complex, while the accused lived just behind her residence.
According to police reports, Vanja entered Patel’s home with the intent to assault her. When she resisted, he became violent, allegedly strangling her and stabbing her in the chest with a kitchen knife, leading to her death. Patel reportedly injured Vanja on his hands and legs while fighting back.
The local community raised an alarm after discovering the incident, and emergency services confirmed Patel’s death upon arrival. Vanja initially fled the scene but was later found hiding in his own home’s bathroom. He was arrested shortly after and is currently in custody, facing charges of murder and attempted sexual assault.
Police officials from the University Police Station, including PI H.N. Patel and PSI Pandya, coordinated a swift response and credited local residents for assisting in the rapid apprehension of the accused.
Chaulaben Patel had served as a nurse for 24 years in Ahmedabad before her recent transfer. Divorced and living alone, she was known for her dedication to her profession. Family members rushed to Rajkot from their native village, Kuha, upon hearing the news. They have since filed an official complaint, leading to the registration of the case.
The accused, Kanji Vanja, is a part-time laborer, while his wife works as a nurse at a private hospital in the Nana Mava area. The couple has two young sons, aged 11 and 9. The incident has sparked concern over the safety of women living alone and calls for better security measures in residential areas. Police investigations are ongoing.