The death of a 22-year-old woman in Sarkhej, Gujarat, initially reported as a ‘hit-and-run’ accident, has taken a major turn after a police investigation allegedly revealed that the supposed road accident was staged to conceal her killing.
Reportedly, the M Division Traffic Police have booked the woman’s brother, Mohammad Habil Mohammad Farooq, 38, and her father, Mohammad Farooq Nawabkhan, 56, in connection with the case. The investigation has now been handed over to Sarkhej Police Station for further action.
According to the initial complaint, on the night of August 12, 2026, Mohammad Habil was riding motorcycle GJ-01-YC-7072 with his sister Sophia, 22, as a pillion rider. The complaint stated that an unidentified vehicle allegedly hit the motorcycle from behind near the route from Gheljipura Crossroads towards Samruddh Dairy and fled the spot.
Habil reportedly suffered injuries, while Sophia sustained serious injuries to her head and legs. She was admitted to Sola Civil Hospital, where she was declared dead at around 12:05 AM on August 13.
M Division Traffic Police Inspector UB Dhakhada said investigators began examining CCTV footage along the route and timeline provided by the complainant.
According to police, footage near Advait Bungalows showed no accident taking place at the reported time. However, around 30 minutes later, three people allegedly arrived at the location on a motorcycle. Police said one person then left and the motorcycle was deliberately dropped to create the appearance and sound of a crash.
The investigation also found discrepancies between the route claimed by Habil and the route recorded through CCTV cameras.
According to police, Habil initially told investigators that he had picked up Sophia from Niki Hospital in Bopal, where she worked as a receptionist, and was taking her home. The police said verification of the route contradicted his statement. CCTV footage from both the claimed and actual routes allegedly revealed inconsistencies in the timing, route and sequence of events.
Investigators from the traffic police, including PSI Syed and technical staff, subsequently questioned Habil. Police claim that he eventually confessed to his involvement during interrogation.
According to the investigation, the alleged motive was linked to a video involving Sophia that had gone viral around three months earlier. The police said the family had developed suspicions regarding Sophia’s personal life after her brother allegedly found private chats. Despite repeated warnings and admonitions from the family, the dispute allegedly continued.
The police allege that Habil and his father subsequently conspired to kill Sophia. According to police, on the night of the incident, the accused knew that Sophia would return from the hospital late.
The police said Habil, who works in fabrication, met his father, who works in welding, at their shop. They allegedly took a hammer from the premises, which Habil concealed in his waistband. The two then allegedly picked up Sophia from the hospital on a motorcycle. Police said they deliberately took her through an isolated stretch of a newly opened TP road near Fatehwadi, where there was no CCTV coverage, dense vegetation and limited traffic.
The police allege that Habil attacked Sophia on the head with the hammer at the deserted location. After the alleged attack, the police said the accused took Sophia approximately 200 metres to a location near Advait Bungalows.
According to investigators, they placed her body on a parapet wall and damaged the motorcycle to make the incident appear to be a fatal road accident. Police also allege that Habil caused injuries to his own hands and damaged the motorcycle’s windshield. He allegedly pretended to be unconscious while his father left the scene. The Police said the alleged murder weapon was discarded on the way.
The family originally belongs to Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, and currently resides in Fatehwadi. According to police, Mohammad Farooq has five daughters, three of whom are married, while Habil has four daughters.
Investigators allege that the accused feared that rumours surrounding Sophia’s personal life would bring social dishonour to the family and affect marriage prospects for the remaining daughters.
The police have described this alleged fear of social dishonour as the motive behind the conspiracy. Following the discrepancies uncovered during the hit-and-run investigation, the Traffic Police themselves became complainants and handed over the probe to Sarkhej Police Station. M Division Traffic Police have initiated action against the two accused under the relevant murder provisions. Further investigation into the case is underway.
The allegations and police claims are part of the ongoing investigation and have not yet been established by a court.