Ahmedabad: Row over ant in food ends in murder at Vatva flat

Ahmedabad: A dispute over an ant found in food allegedly culminated in murder at a rented flat in Vatva, with four occupants of the house arrested within days of the crime.

The victim, identified as 40-year-old Imran Ghulamrasul Sindha, was found dead inside a locked flat at Satej Homes near Vatva Gamdi Road on May 27. His decomposed body was discovered lying on a mattress, with his hands, legs and mouth tied with cloth and nylon ropes.

The murder came to light after residents complained of a foul smell emanating from the first-floor apartment. The flat owner’s family broke open the lock and found the body inside a bedroom. Based on a complaint by Rishabh Sharma, Vatva police registered a murder case.

During the investigation, police identified the deceased as Imran, who was living in the flat with Virendrasingh alias Viru Baghel, Chandramohan Sharma, Ravikumar Shah and a 16-year-old boy. Police said Imran was estranged from his family and was living separately for the past two years.

According to police, the murder stemmed from a quarrel after Imran allegedly found an ant in food prepared by one of the accused. The argument escalated into a heated exchange and abuse before turning violent. Police said the four accused allegedly overpowered Imran, tied him up and killed him inside the flat.

After the gruesome act, the accused allegedly destroyed their mobile phones and sim cards before fleeing Ahmedabad. Investigators tracked their movements through Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. They were eventually detained from Palwal in Haryana on May 30 while travelling by a private bus.

The three adult accused and the juvenile have been booked for murder, and further investigation is under way.