Ahmedabad, April 29 The Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Wednesday recovered human remains believed to be those of a woman killed in 1992, marking a significant development in a decades-old murder investigation in the Vatva area of the city.
Police carried out excavation work using an excavator at a well located near Kumbhar Nagar Chowk in Vatva, where skeletal remains were recovered during the operation.
Authorities suspect the remains belong to Farzana, also known as Shabnam, a Mumbai resident who had travelled to Ahmedabad over three decades ago to meet her partner, Shamshuddin.
According to investigators, Shamshuddin is believed to have killed Farzana following tensions arising from her visit, which allegedly caused domestic discord.
Police suspect her body was subsequently disposed of in the well within or near the residential premises in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Officials said that Rizwan, the brother of the late Shamshuddin, along with other suspects, is currently being questioned as part of the investigation.
They added that further individuals, including witnesses, are also being examined by the Crime Branch.
DCP Ajit Rajian said: “A 1992 murder case was successfully detected by the Crime Branch under highly unusual and intriguing circumstances.”
He said the victim’s body had been clandestinely disposed of inside a domestic well located within the accused’s residence, allowing the crime to remain concealed for years.
He added that the case resurfaced after members of the accused’s family reportedly experienced repeated hallucinations and psychological distress, which led them to seek assistance through occult practices and spiritual remedies.
“In an attempt to seek relief, they turned towards occult practices and remedies, during which critical information surfaced,” he said.
Acting on this information, police initiated a discreet inquiry, which eventually led to the identification of the suspected site.
Following the necessary permissions, excavation work was undertaken, resulting in the recovery of human remains.
Officials said forensic and DNA testing will be carried out to confirm the identity of the deceased and establish a conclusive link to Farzana.
Investigators stated that preliminary findings suggest the body was concealed in the well in 1992, allowing the alleged crime to remain undetected for more than three decades.
The Crime Branch has also begun re-examining missing persons records and old complaints from the period to assist in identification.
DCP Rajian further stated that the suspected motive behind the murder is being treated as a crime of passion linked to an extramarital relationship, though he noted that all angles remain under investigation.
“Few co-accused and eyewitnesses are being investigated currently by the Crime Branch,” he said.
Further legal action will be taken based on forensic reports and statements recorded during the course of the probe.
Residents said they were informed before the excavation and were assured of compensation for any disturbance caused.
--IANS
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