Three enter farm to steal peanuts, one found dead

Rajkot: Three friends in their early twenties tried to steal peanuts in a farm but ended up losing one of their partners who allegedly drowned in a river in Kotada Sangani of Rajkot district on Friday.
Police said family of deceased Jitu Charolia (20) claims that he, along with his friends Abhel Charolia and Ranjeet Vaghela, had left home in Mafatiyapara of Kotada Sangani in the morning. However, Abhel and Ranjeet returned home but Jitu didn’t return till late and his family started searching for him. When he was nowhere to be found, they approached the police.
The police started searching for Jitu and discovered his body on the banks of the river. His family members have alleged murder.
During interrogation, the duo told police that they had entered into a farm to steal groundnut. “When the farm owner flashed a torch light on them, the trio fled the spot and got separated. Abhel and Vaghela were under the impression that Jitu too may have reached home. So, they too went to their homes and slept,” an official from Kotada Sangani police station said.
“We have sent the body for forensic post-mortem to find out whether he got drowned or if somebody had killed him. The picture will be clearer once the report comes in,” the official added.