Mystery surrounds Surat techie’s death: ‘Strangled with drawstring, charger wire, smothered with plastic bags’
SURAT: A week after the murder of 22-year-old computer engineer Nidhi Patel, police are yet to identify the culprit in the case. Patel was found dead at her home in Godavadi village in Surat district on the morning of Aug 24.Police said they have not yet found any strong clue pointing to the involvement of a specific individual. Investigators are examining fingerprints, the woman’s recent communications and other possible leads, but the probe has so far failed to establish a clear direction.After Mandvi police failed to make a breakthrough, Surat SP Rajesh Gadhiya formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the case. However, four days into its investigation, the SIT is yet to gather a lead.The SIT is headed by Akshesh Engineer, assistant superintendent of police, Mandvi division. Around 60 police officers and personnel are part of the investigation.Police suspect that someone known to the woman could be involed in the murder, as there were no signs of forced entry into the house. The victim was alone at home at the time, as her parents had gone on a pilgrimage. When they returned, they found her body on the terrace.According to investigators, the assailant allegedly strangled the woman using the drawstring of a pair of shorts and a mobile charger cable. She was also smothered with two plastic bags.Police said injuries were found around her private parts, indicating suspected sexual assault. The back door of the house was open, while the front door was locked from inside.
