Surat engineer's murder remains unsolved as police probe grisly details

The murder of 22-year-old computer engineer Nidhi Patel in Godavadi village, Surat district, remains a mystery a week after her body was found on her terrace. Authorities reported that she was strangled with the drawstring of a pair of shorts and a mobile charger cable, and then smothered with two plastic bags, with injuries indicating a possible sexual assault. The victim was alone at home while her parents were away on a pilgrimage, and there were no signs of forced entry; the back door was open and the front door locked from inside.

Following an unproductive investigation by Mandvi police, Surat senior superintendent Rajesh Gadhiya formed a special investigation team, headed by Assistant Superintendent Akshesh Engineer, comprising roughly 60 officers. Despite the sizable deployment, the team has not uncovered any decisive evidence or identified a suspect.