NRI’s body found using ‘Find My Device’; financial dispute suspected in murder

With the murder investigation underway, the tragic case underscores the dangers of unresolved disputes and highlights the role of technology in unraveling crimes

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

In a chilling turn of events, the body of a retired Non-Resident Indian (NRI) was discovered on Friday morning, thanks to a mobile device-tracking application. Sixty-five-year-old Deepak Dashrath Patel, a US Green Card holder recently returned to India, was found brutally murdered near Akalpya Farm on the Garodia-Manipur Road in Ahmedabad’s Bopal area. Police suspect a financial dispute as the motive behind the crime.

The discovery comes mere days after the city was rocked by the murder of a MICA student, amplifying concerns about rising violent crimes.

A Desperate Search

Patel, who had recently moved into a bungalow in Hansvila Society with his wife, Alpa, went missing late Thursday night. According to Alpa, he left home around midnight, stating he was going to meet someone. When he failed to return, Alpa contacted their children in the US and her brother-in-law, Kalpesh Patel, for help. Acting on her children’s suggestion, she used the Find My Device app to trace his location.

Accompanied by Kalpesh and his wife, Alpa followed the app’s directions to a dirt road near Akalpya Farm. Around 8 a.m. on Friday, they made the horrifying discovery. Patel’s body, covered in blood and bearing severe injuries, was found about 300 meters from the farm. His shoes lay nearby, and investigators believe he was dragged and dumped at the spot.

• The Bopal police have registered a murder case and initiated a thorough investigation. Ahmedabad Rural SP Om Prakash Jat, Sanand DSP Neelam Goswami, forensic experts, and a dog squad inspected the crime scene to gather evidence

• Authorities are also examining Patel’s financial transactions and phone records to uncover critical leads

Financial Disputes Under Scrutiny

Initial police investigations revealed that Patel, who had returned to Ahmedabad after years in Los Angeles, had been working as a land broker. Alpa informed investigators that Patel had recently been receiving disturbing phone calls, suggesting he was under significant financial stress.

The police suspect that financial disputes may have led to the murder. Two suspects, identified as Munna and Ishwar, have emerged during the inquiry. Patel’s silver car, which he drove on the night of his disappearance, is also missing, further deepening suspicions of foul play.

Investigation in Progress

The Bopal police have registered a murder case and initiated a thorough investigation. Ahmedabad Rural SP Om Prakash Jat, Sanand DSP Neelam Goswami, forensic experts, and a dog squad inspected the crime scene to gather evidence. Authorities are also examining Patel’s financial transactions and phone records to uncover critical leads.

Alpa believes Patel’s financial dealings might have escalated into life-threatening conflicts. The police are actively pursuing this angle as they work to apprehend the perpetrators.

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