International Connection in Vadodara Shooting Case
Vadodara: A recent shooting incident that injured a garment trader in Vadodara has taken a surprising international twist, with authorities linking the attack to a long-standing business feud in Fiji.
Police have apprehended two men from Chhattisgarh, alleging that the shooting was part of a planned contract killing following weeks of careful surveillance. The victim, 37-year-old Ashish Kumar Madanlal Bakoliya, was shot last week while heading home from his shop near Waghodia Chokdi. The bullet hit his shoulder, causing serious injuries.
On Saturday, Vadodara police confirmed that they had cracked the case. They stated that the attack was not a random act but a premeditated crime that involved detailed monitoring of Bakoliya’s movements.
Inspector General of Police Sandeep Singh explained that investigators analyzed over 2,000 CCTV clips and followed various leads to identify the suspects and reveal the conspiracy behind the attack. The two accused, Vikram Pratap Gopichandra Singh and Gurjeet alias Gurmeet Singh, both from Bhilai in Durg district, were arrested with help from Chhattisgarh Police.
According to authorities, the suspects visited Vadodara multiple times last month to watch Bakoliya. They arrived in the city on June 12, June 18, and June 25, using the local railway station as a base before heading back home by train.
Bakoliya is originally from Delhi and runs his garment business in Vadodara. Before this, he worked as a financial manager for a steel firm in Fiji and had an ongoing dispute with the company’s owner, Jay Dayal. Investigators claim that Vikram was sent to India to arrange Bakoliya’s elimination.
Financial transactions related to the conspiracy, including travel and weapon purchases, are believed to have been funneled through Vikram’s wife’s bank account. Authorities estimate about Rs 2.72 lakh was transferred through associates tied to Dayal.
The investigation, dubbed Operation Parakram, involved ten teams from various local branches. Vadodara rural SP Sushil Agrawal noted that one suspect had even booked a flight to Fiji shortly after the attack. A lookout notice was issued to prevent their escape.
Police allege that Gurjeet was promised Rs 50,000 for carrying out the shooting. Riding as a passenger, he fired at Bakoliya while Vikram drove the motorcycle. To avoid recognition, the duo wore helmets and masks during the attack.
Law enforcement officials recovered a pistol, magazines, and cartridges believed to be used in the crime. Notably, police records indicate that Gurjeet has a history of criminal activity in Chhattisgarh, including weapons charges and theft.
The police investigation remains ongoing, particularly focusing on Jay Dayal’s involvement and the financial transactions linked to the case.
