Gujarat Murder Convict Caught After 12 Years on the Run

How the Murder Happened

According to police, Relia and his associate Rajan Panchal lured Arvind Shah to a hotel in Ahmedabad’s Shahibaug area by promising him a discounted silk deal. Shah was asked to bring cash for the transaction.

Once Shah reached the hotel room, the accused allegedly tried to rob him of cash and gold jewellery at knifepoint. When Shah resisted and tried to fight back, the two men brutally stabbed him nearly 30 to 35 times, killing him on the spot.

Attempt to Hide the Crime

Police said the accused later beheaded Shah in an attempt to hide his identity. The severed head was thrown away in the Adalaj area of Gandhinagar, while the headless body was left inside the hotel room.

Investigators later identified the victim through his clothes, jewellery, and a surgical scar on his body.

Court Conviction and Life Sentence

In 2000, a sessions court found Relia guilty of murder, robbery, and criminal conspiracy and sentenced him to death. However, in 2001, the Gujarat High Court reduced the punishment to life imprisonment.

Relia was also involved in a counterfeit currency case and received an additional prison sentence.

Relia Escaped During Parole

Police revealed that Relia jumped parole in 2014 and had been absconding ever since. During this period, he changed his name to “Sanjay Thakkar” through a gazette notification in 2017.

He reportedly started living a normal life in Ahmedabad’s New Ranip area with his second wife and her two children, who were unaware of his criminal history.

How Police Finally Caught Him

Investigators said Relia maintained a very low profile and avoided contact with old friends and even family members. He also opened a business office in Prahladnagar while hiding his real identity.

The breakthrough came after police conducted technical analysis of official records, including his gazette name change documents. After surveillance and field verification, Gujarat Police finally tracked and arrested him.

Relia was later produced before a court and sent to judicial custody.