In a significant instance of speedy justice, a court in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district has sentenced a man to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life in a brutal murder case, with the investigation, trial and conviction reportedly completed within just 31 days.
The case pertains to the murder of Kajalben Dilipbhai Baraiya, a Hindu woman who was brutally assaulted near the public entry gate of the Bhavnagar State Transport (ST) Bus Stand on September 3, 2026. The accused, identified as Faisal alias Khatki Rafikbhai Lakhani, attacked the young Hindu woman in a particularly gruesome manner, inflicting fatal injuries to her head, neck and other parts of her body.
According to the police investigation, the accused, a native of Vartej who was living on a footpath near the ST Bus Stand, had a history of involvement in around five serious criminal cases. He assaulted Kajalben to establish his dominance in the area and instil fear among people at the bus stand.
The accused hurled abuses at the woman before repeatedly kicking and punching her. He also grabbed her by the hair and slammed her head against a wall and the tiled floor, causing severe injuries that ultimately led to her death.
Following the incident, Neelambaug Police Station registered a murder case on September 4.
CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence helped crack the case
Bhavnagar Police launched an intensive investigation to establish the accused’s involvement and build a strong prosecution case.
Investigators questioned eyewitnesses and recorded statements of key witnesses before a magistrate under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). CCTV footage from the area was also collected, while forensic officials examined the crime scene and gathered crucial evidence.
The forensic department helped establish the identities of the accused and the deceased. Meanwhile, doctors at Sir T Hospital conducted the post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of death.
After collecting the evidence and completing the investigation, police submitted a detailed chargesheet before the court on October 4, barely a month after the murder.
Harsh Sanghavi hails landmark conviction, reiterates Gujarat’s zero-tolerance approach
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi took to X to highlight the conviction, describing it as an example of the state’s zero-tolerance approach towards crimes against women.
Sharing the development while quoting OpIndia’s September 2026 report on the case, Sanghavi wrote:
“62 days. Life imprisonment until the last breath. In the Kajal Baraiya murder case in Bhavnagar, swift investigation by Bhavnagar Police and a strong prosecution led to a landmark verdict. Gujarat’s zero tolerance for crimes against women is clear.”
62 days. Life imprisonment until the last breath. In the Kajal Baraiya murder case in Bhavnagar, swift investigation by Bhavnagar Police and a strong prosecution led to a landmark verdict. Gujarat’s zero tolerance for crimes against women is clear. #Gujarat #Bhavnagar
— Harsh Sanghavi (@sanghaviharsh) November 5, 2026
Bhavnagar Police also described the outcome as a landmark achievement, stating that this was the first case in the district in which the investigation, trial and sentencing had been completed within just 31 days.
Main witness kidnapped and held captive for three days
In a shocking development during the proceedings, the accused attempted to derail the trial by targeting its main witness.
According to the police, the key witness was kidnapped and held captive for three days to prevent him from appearing before the court and recording his testimony.
A separate case was registered at Neelambaug Police Station in connection with the kidnapping. Police subsequently rescued the witness and ensured his safe appearance before the court, enabling him to depose during the trial.
The eyewitness testimony, statements of panch witnesses and the evidence gathered during the investigation proved crucial in establishing the prosecution’s case.
The court awarded imprisonment for the remainder of the accused’s natural life
To ensure effective prosecution and speedy justice, the Gujarat government appointed experienced advocate Utpal Dave as the Special Public Prosecutor.
After considering the evidence and hearing the prosecution’s arguments, the court held the charges against Faisal alias Khatki Rafikbhai Lakhani proved beyond reasonable doubt. It subsequently sentenced him to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life.
The conviction underscores the importance of swift investigation, effective evidence collection and robust prosecution in ensuring timely justice. Bhavnagar Police reiterated that they would continue taking stringent action against those involved in crimes against women and children.
