On Tuesday, in Dhandhuka town, Rajkot, Gujarat, an 88-year-old trustee of a charitable hospital, Dharamshi Moradiya, was brutally murdered outside his residence by a neighbour, Kalpesh Mer, aged 32. Mer harbored a deep resentment towards Moradiya for not securing him a job in the hospital. The situation escalated tragically, leading to Moradiya’s death. Mer also attempted to take his own life by ingesting poison after the attack and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

Moradiya, a well-respected figure in the community, was not only a key administrator of the hospital but also actively engaged in construction work. He had a longstanding reputation in the Raldar community. However, the tension between him and Mer, who was desperate for employment, had been building for some time.

Mer had been persistently asking Moradiya for a job at the hospital. Despite Moradiya’s repeated assurances that he would inform Mer as soon as there was a vacancy, Mer’s patience wore thin. According to the complaint filed by Moradiya’s son, Harish, the pressure from Mer became unbearable over time. Mer felt that Moradiya was not doing enough to secure him a position, despite being well-connected within the hospital's administration.

On the day of the incident, Mer went to Moradiya's house, located in Bhimnath village, Barwala taluka, and engaged in a heated argument with Moradiya’s family. At the time, Moradiya was not at home. His family quickly notified him about the confrontation. Moradiya then contacted the village’s Deputy Sarpanch, Mangalsinh Rathod, asking him to go to his house and intervene.

Rathod responded swiftly, heading over to Moradiya’s residence. However, by the time he arrived, Mer had already left. Shortly after, Moradiya himself returned home from the hospital, and he and Rathod began discussing the incident outside the house. While they were in the middle of their conversation, Mer suddenly reappeared, visibly agitated.

Seething with anger, Mer confronted Moradiya, accusing him of failing to help him get the job at the hospital. Before Moradiya could react, Mer pulled out an iron sickle, a sharp farming tool, and launched a vicious attack. He struck Moradiya repeatedly on the head and face. A domestic worker, witnessing the horrific scene, managed to wrestle the sickle away from Mer.

Nearby residents, who had been alerted by the commotion, rushed to the scene and quickly transported Moradiya to a nearby hospital. Despite receiving medical attention, Moradiya succumbed to his injuries due to excessive blood loss. The news of his death shocked the community, as Moradiya was a well-known and respected figure.

Kalpesh Mer, following the attack, attempted suicide by consuming poison. He was found by local authorities and immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. His condition remains critical, and police are keeping a close watch on him. Botad District Superintendent of Police (SP) Kishore Baloliya confirmed the details of the case and emphasized the gravity of the crime.

Moradiya’s contributions to both the hospital and the construction industry had earned him widespread respect in the community. His death has left a deep void, not just in his family but also among the numerous people who relied on his leadership and charitable work. The incident highlights the sometimes dangerous nature of personal grievances and how they can escalate into violence.

The police are continuing their investigation into the murder. Authorities are examining the sequence of events leading up to the fatal encounter, trying to determine if Mer’s actions were premeditated or driven by a sudden burst of anger. The fact that Mer brought a weapon with him to confront Moradiya suggests that the attack may have been planned.

Superintendent Baloliya noted, "Moradiya was not just a hospital trustee but a prominent member of the Raldar community. His tragic death has deeply affected the local population." The community is now left mourning a man who had long been dedicated to its service. His family, devastated by the loss, is calling for justice.

As Mer remains in hospital under medical supervision, legal proceedings are expected to follow once his condition stabilizes. The murder of Dharamshi Moradiya has cast a shadow over the region, where he was not only a leader but a symbol of charity and goodwill.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)