Surat: Police in Surat district are under pressure to crack the murder of Nidhi Patel, the 22-year-old woman computer engineer who was murdered in Godavadi village of Mandvi taluka. The killing, described by members of the Koli community, as exceptionally brutal, sparked anger. The community then began mobilising for public protests to press for a swift investigation.Community leaders planned a meeting on Saturday to chalk out an agitation programme from next week. The meeting was cancelled after representatives met senior district police officials and got assurances on progress in the investigation. Leaders also called off a protest that had been scheduled for Monday.Koli community representatives met Surat superintendent of police Rajesh Gadhiya on Saturday and conveyed concerns about the case. After the interaction, they decided to temporarily pause protest plans.“We met senior police officials of the district and they provided details of efforts they are making. After the meeting and police’s assurances, we have cancelled, for now, our plans to protest,” said Jayesh Patel, president of the community for Mandvi taluka.Umesh Patel, the MP from Daman, visited the victim’s family on Saturday to offer condolences. “All Koli community members are shocked at the brutal murder of a young woman from the community. Police assured the family that they are making all efforts to crack the case and we expect an early detection,” he told TOI.Police focus on fingerprintsThe SIT investigating the Godavadi murder are working to collect as many fingerprints available from the residence where Nidhi Patel was found dead. With no important clue found till now, police are adopting the traditional way to match fingerprints. Nidhi was home alone on the night of Aug 23, as her parents were on a pilgrimage.They returned around 3am and found her body on the terrace. As there is no CCTV network in the village, police are banking on alternative means to crack the case. Police did not get information on the movements of any suspect from locals and no suspicion has been expressed against any person by the family or friends of the deceased. In such a scenario, police are matching fingerprints found in the house to identify suspects.
