Udaipur, November 11, 2024 - A Thailand woman was shot at the Ratnam Hotel in Udaipur’s Sukher area on November 8, 2024. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, and the police successfully arrested all four accused within 48 hours of the crime. 

According to police reports, the accused, including a history-sheeter, shot the woman after an argument during a drinking session at the hotel. The victim was dropped at a hospital by the accused before they fled. 

The police have also seized the Hyundai van used in the incident. The injured woman is currently receiving treatment at Maharana Bhupal (MB) Hospital, and her condition is now reported to be stable and out of danger.

The hotel’s receptionist, Bhavesh Vaishnav (22), informed the police that around 7:00 AM on November 8, Akshay Khubchandani and his two friends checked into the hotel. They spent the day drinking alcohol. Bhavesh, who was on night duty, reported that a foreign woman arrived at the hotel room at 1:30 AM. After drinking with the accused, a gunshot was heard at 3:40 AM.

Bhavesh rushed to the scene and found the woman shot in the chest, screaming, "Why did you shoot me?" The accused tried to take her to the hospital but fled after dropping her off.

The police launched a immediate investigation, reviewing over 50 CCTV footages from nearby areas and Pacific Medical College. Information about the accused heading towards Ahmedabad helped the police track them down and make arrests. 

The arrested men are identified as Akshay Khubchandani (25), a resident of Pratapnagar, Udaipur; Rahul Gurjar (25), a resident of Swaroopganj, Pali; Dhruv Suhalka (21), a resident of Bhuvana, Udaipur; and Mahim Chaudhary (20), a resident of Bhupalpura, Udaipur.

The police investigation revealed that the attack was premeditated. Rahul Gurjar, the main accused, who has a criminal record, planned the incident with his friends. It was Dhruv Suhalka who invited the woman to the hotel, and after an argument, Gurjar shot her in a fit of rage. 

District Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal issued orders for swift action, and additional teams led by Additional Superintendent of Police Umesh Ojha and Deputy Superintendent of Police Kailash Chandra Khatik were formed to handle the case.

The police are continuing their investigation, trying to trace the woman’s activities and contacts in Udaipur, as well as her reasons for being in India. Preliminary findings suggest she may have been involved in an escort service.