Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Alpa Kardani, a resident of Malia village on the border of Gir forest in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, was filled with mixed emotions as she watched the news on her television. A United Kingdom court had sentenced Indian-origin couple Arti Dhir, 59, and her husband Kavaljitsinh Raijada, 35, to 33 years each in jail on January 30, 2024, for exporting drugs to Australia. The news brought a glimmer of hope to Alpa, who had been seeking justice for the murder of her husband Harsukh Kardani, 47, and her younger brother Gopal Sejani, 11, in February 2017.
Alpa’s life had taken a tragic turn when a conspiracy allegedly hatched by the UK couple led to the untimely deaths of her loved ones. Despite India’s efforts to extradite Arti and Kavaljitsinh and try them for the murders, justice had remained elusive.
A Tale of Marriage, Adoption, and Conspiracy
Alpa’s journey began with the loss of her first husband, Lalit, to cancer in 2007. She then married Harsukh, Lalit’s elder brother, who stood by her through the trials of life. However, tragedy struck again when her father passed away, leaving her responsible for her five younger siblings, her infant son Raju, her husband Harsukh, and her mother-in-law Rasila. Among her siblings was Gopal, the youngest, who was just 3 years old at the time.
Struggling to make ends meet on their meager 10-bigha land, Alpa’s family received an offer in 2014 from an NRI couple, Kavaljitsinh Raijada and Arti Dhir, who were seeking to adopt a child. Gopal, being the youngest and in need of a secure future, was chosen for adoption. The couple promised to take good care of him, and Alpa agreed to the adoption.
The NRI Couple and the Adoption
Kavaljitsinh, who had moved to London for his MBA in 2008, married Arti, a Nairobi-born British citizen with roots in Punjab, around 2012-13. The couple visited Keshod, Kavaljitsinh’s hometown, a few times, and it was during one of these visits that they expressed their desire to adopt a child.
With the legal guardianship granted to Alpa and Harsukh, Gopal was officially adopted by Arti through a private adoption deed registered in 2015. However, tragedy struck less than two years later when Gopal was killed before he could join his adoptive parents in the UK.
The Unraveling of a Conspiracy
The chargesheet revealed a sinister plot by Arti and Kavaljitsinh to insure Gopal for a large sum and then orchestrate his murder to claim the insurance payout. Nitish Mund, a former paying guest of Arti’s in London, was roped into the plan, which was exposed through his confession to the police.
Despite their attempts to secure an insurance policy and hire hitmen, the couple’s plan was foiled. The rejection of Arti’s insurance application due to the suspicious timing of the adoption raised red flags, leading to the unraveling of the entire conspiracy.
As Alpa continues to seek justice for her lost loved ones, the recent sentencing of Arti Dhir and Kavaljitsinh Raijada in the UK brings a ray of hope that one day she too may find closure and the perpetrators will be held accountable for their heinous crimes.
Arti Dhir and Kavaljitsinh Raijada, a couple accused of orchestrating a double murder in India, are currently facing extradition proceedings after being arrested in the UK. The case dates back to 2017 when the couple allegedly conspired to murder Gopal, a young boy, to claim a hefty insurance payout.
The elaborate plan involved Arti purchasing a Rs 1.3-crore life insurance policy in Gopal’s name and paying the first annual premium of Rs 13 lakh. The couple, along with Nitish, a key accomplice, planned to stage Gopal’s murder to claim the insurance money. The motive behind the crime was to secure funds for their illicit activities.
Despite multiple failed attempts to carry out the murder, the trio persisted in their efforts. The fourth attempt proved to be fatal, with Gopal being brutally stabbed and left for dead on the side of a highway. The incident led to the death of both Gopal and Harsukh, another victim caught in the crossfire.
Legal Proceedings and International Arrest
Following the incident, a first information report was filed, and arrests were made in India. However, the couple managed to evade authorities and fled to the UK. Subsequently, an Interpol red-corner notice was issued, leading to their arrest in June 2017.
Extradition proceedings were initiated to bring Arti and Kavaljitsinh back to India to face trial for their alleged involvement in the double murder case. However, the couple managed to win an appeal in the UK against their extradition, delaying the legal process.
Meanwhile, the couple faced additional charges of drug smuggling in the UK, leading to their arrest in May 2021 and subsequent convictions for smuggling 512 kg of cocaine worth £57 million to Australia. The illegal activities were traced back to a company set up by the couple for drug trafficking purposes.
As the legal battle continues, the Indian authorities are working to ensure the extradition of Arti and Kavaljitsinh to face justice in India for their involvement in the heinous crime. The case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths individuals will go to for financial gain, even at the cost of innocent lives.
Stay tuned for further updates on this ongoing legal saga as the extradition proceedings unfold.
Investigation Unveils Long Work History at Heathrow Airport
Recent investigations in the UK have revealed that a couple, Arti and Kavaljitsinh, had been employed by a flight services company at Heathrow airport for several years. Arti worked at the company from March 2003 to October 2016, while Kavaljitsinh was employed there from March 2014 to December 2016.
A Closer Look at the Couple’s Background
Arti and Kavaljitsinh’s work history sheds light on their long-standing connection to the aviation industry. Their roles at the flight services company indicate a deep involvement in airport operations and passenger services.
Family Distress in Keshod
Meanwhile, in Keshod, Mahendrasinh, who retired in March 2017, has remained tight-lipped about the recent developments. Close sources reveal that the family has been grappling with distress following Kavaljitsinh’s conviction. The Raijada clan in Keshod has expressed concerns over the situation, particularly the age gap between Arti and Kavaljitsinh.
A Glimpse into Life in Malia
Alpa’s residence in Malia holds a poignant history, with photos of four deceased family members tucked away in a suitcase. The absence of these pictures highlights the losses the family has endured over the years. Rasila, Alpa’s mother-in-law, recounts the tragic events that have shaped their lives, including the untimely deaths of her two sons and a young relative.
A Heartbreaking Loss
Rasila’s poignant words capture the profound grief that has engulfed their family. The series of tragedies has left a lasting impact on their lives, with Rasila reflecting on the pain of losing loved ones in quick succession.
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