Bhavnagar, Gujarat:
A 40-year-old woman died on September 4 after a severe public assault by her live-in partner at the busy ST bus stand in Bhavnagar. The attack, which took place on the afternoon of September 3 and was captured on CCTV, has sparked outrage and raised questions about public intervention and subsequent police handling of the accused.
Kajalben Baraiya, a resident of Kumbharwada whose mother is Bhaguben Baraiya, had been living with 20-year-old Faizal (also referred to as Faisal) alias Khatki Rafikbhai Lakhani for about seven years.
The couple stayed on the footpath near the ST bus stand and were known to have frequent disputes. Faizal had a prior criminal record involving robbery and assault cases and had recently been released from jail; reports indicate Kajalben had helped arrange his bail.
Police said the incident occurred between 3 pm and 4 pm on September 3. Faizal confronted Kajalben while she was speaking with acquaintance Ravi also called Ravi Gohil or Bado Gohel.
He suspected her of an affair with Ravi (some accounts also mention a dispute involving alcohol). The argument escalated: Faizal threw Kajalben to the ground, punched and kicked her, and repeatedly slammed her head, neck, and face against the tiles.
Ravi tried to intervene and was also assaulted and injured. Bystanders at the crowded bus stand reportedly watched without intervening. The entire sequence was recorded on CCTV cameras at the location.
Kajalben was taken by 108 ambulance to Sir T. Hospital, where she was declared dead during treatment on September 4. Her body was later subjected to post-mortem.
Based on a complaint by her mother, Nilambaug (Neelam Bagh) police registered a murder case against Faizal and arrested him. Deputy Superintendent of Police R.R. Singhal confirmed the accused’s previous criminal history.
On September 5, police took Faizal to the crime scene for reconstruction. Videos that later circulated showed officers, including Nilambaug Police Station PI D.P. Undadkat, tying him with a rope and striking him repeatedly with lathis (batons)—reports claimed over 100 blows in a short period—while he was restrained and in public view.
The PI was quoted as saying the public punishment was meant to deter similar crimes against women. The episode has drawn criticism for allegedly violating Supreme Court guidelines on the treatment of arrested persons including the D.K. Basu guidelines and earlier directives from Gujarat police leadership against public humiliation or parading of accused individuals. Faizal was scheduled to be produced in court.
The case highlights both the brutality of the original assault in a public space and subsequent concerns over custodial treatment. Investigation into the murder continues, with police examining CCTV footage, witness statements, and the circumstances of the couple’s relationship.
