Bhavnagar, Gujarat: In a shocking and tragic incident, a groom-to-be allegedly killed his fiancé on the morning of their wedding in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. The horrifying attack occurred at the bride-to-be’s residence, where the accused allegedly struck her with an iron pipe and rammed her head against a wall, resulting in her death just hours before the marriage ceremony.

The victim, 22-year-old Soni Himmat Rathod, and the accused, Sajan Khagna Baraiya, had been in a relationship for approximately one and a half years. While their families had reportedly objected to their union, they eventually agreed to the marriage due to community intervention. The wedding was scheduled for November 15, with pre-wedding rituals taking place the day before.

According to R.R. Singhal, Deputy Superintendent of Police of Bhavnagar city division, the incident took place early on the morning of the wedding day at Rathod’s maternal home near Prabhudas Talav. “Soni and Sajan had an altercation regarding the Panetar (bridal dress) and Paisa (money),” Singhal said. The disagreement escalated into physical violence when Baraiya allegedly attacked Rathod with an iron pipe and struck her head against a wall, killing her instantly.

The violence triggered chaos in the household, waking family members who found Soni lying in a pool of blood. Baraiya fled the scene immediately after the attack. The family informed the Gangajaliya police, who rushed to the location and sent Rathod’s body for post-mortem examination.

Sajan Khagna Baraiya is reportedly facing multiple criminal cases, including attempt to murder, loot, and assault. Both the Gangajaliya police station and the local crime branch are actively pursuing leads to apprehend him. An FIR has been filed, and investigations are ongoing.

The shocking incident has drawn attention to the rising cases of violence linked to interpersonal disputes, dowry, and family pressures in Gujarat and across India. Police officials confirmed that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, including whether any prior threats or disputes had been reported.

“This is a tragic case that highlights the extreme consequences of unresolved conflicts in familial and marital matters,” said an officer involved in the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Baraiya’s whereabouts to come forward to assist in the investigation.

As the investigation unfolds, the Bhavnagar community and local authorities are grappling with the horror of the attack on what should have been a day of celebration, raising urgent questions about domestic violence, dowry disputes, and preventive measures to protect women in similar situations.

The police continue their search for Baraiya, issuing alerts and coordinating with neighboring districts to ensure swift action. Meanwhile, the family and local community mourn the untimely death of Soni Himmat Rathod, whose life was tragically cut short in an act of extreme violence hours before her wedding.