A cryptic SMS and a dead trader: cops say suicide…

ACP NC Patel said: “We found his fingerprints on the revolver. He shot himself in the chest. Before committing suicide,he left a message on his driver’s mobile phone stating ‘come home tomorrow morning by 10.30 am. You would see something here,and whatever you see,please inform my family about it’.”

Jt.CP (Sector I) Satish Sharma said: “Deepan had sent four messages to his driver. His driver told the police that Deepan was under debt and was actively involved in betting. So far,we don’t have a fix on the reasons behind his suicide and don’t suspect anything other than suicide. But we are keeping our options open for other developments.”

Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) experts said gunpowder was found on his hands indicating Patel had shot himself.

A V Hingrajiya,FSL officer from Ahmedabad,said: “The bullet was shot very close to his heart,which confirms that he shot himself. Using the right hand makes it easier to shot oneself in the heart. It is a clear case of suicide,but the police may probe further on the reasons behind it.”

The FSL have collected the revolver from the spot and also seized a personal diary,two mobile phones and some work-related documents lying near the bed.

But Patel’s family and relatives are alleging foul play,saying that he could not have shot himself in the chest.

Patel was living independently in a rented apartment in the Panchvati area while his family lives at Umang Parivar Society at Vasna in Ahmedabad. Patel had an agricultural business at Navapura in Sarkhej while his father Hirabhai Patel has a well-established agricultural and transport business in Ahmedabad.

Patel’s body has been sent to V S Hospital for postmortem. The police have registered a case of accidental death and have begun further probe.

…It’s a murder,says family

Patel’s relatives describe him as a cheerful,reserved and a focused businessman. His relative,Rohit Patel,a local politician,said: “He had immense willpower. At such a young age,he was handling business with a turnover of crores. We suspect one person or may be more had come to his apartment on Monday night and something might have happened between them. His friends used to visit him often. The house keys were found outside the main door near the doormat. The persons who were here have sent a message from Patel’s phone to his driver stating that he should come and check on Tuesday morning. The message was sent at 3.24 am in the morning”.

Patel’s family members suspect he was killed either by his friends or associates,but have emphasised that he had no enemies.