PALANPUR: A 36-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by a woman she had trusted for years in Palanpur in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, in an incident that has raised serious questions about trust.The victim, Shantiben Akedivala, a resident of Chanakyapuri Society in Palanpur city, was allegedly killed in a premeditated manner over a dispute involving around 790 grams of gold, silver jewellery and Rs 2 lakh in cash.According to police, the prime accused, Rekha Rathod, had been associated with the Akedivala family for nearly fifteen years, working in household chores and cooking, and had won their complete confidence.

Rekha Rathod, who is also engaged in the furniture business in the Hanuman Tekri area, had maintained close contact with Shantiben. About a year ago, Shantiben had reportedly helped Rekha Rathod during a time of need by giving her gold and silver ornaments along with cash. Over time, when Shantiben began asking for the return of the money and jewellery, tensions arose between the two.On the night of March 22, around 8 pm, Shantiben went to Rekha Rathod’s furniture shop, where, according to investigators, a murder conspiracy had already been planned.

Rekha Rathod, along with her husband and two other accomplices, allegedly murdered Shantiben in a brutal manner.They first intoxicated her, then strangled her using a clutch wire used in bikes.

After the murder, the accused reportedly stuffed the body into a sack and dumped it in a deserted drain in an attempt to destroy evidence.Following the filing of a complaint, the Palanpur City West Police swung into action and launched a swift investigation. The police have arrested the main accused Rekha Rathod along with her husband and two others.