Picture for representational purpose only.

AHMEDABAD: The killing spree that ended the lives of three men in Gandhinagar, who were shot at point-blank range, has left more blood than clues. So far, cops have been able to establish that the cartridges used in the killings were made at an ordnance factory of another state. They have also determined that the killer’s 7.65mm pistol was stolen from another state. Gandhinagar Police believe that the release of the suspect’s CCTV image has at least halted the killings.

A senior police officer involved in the special investigation team formed to probe the serial killings said that no one has contested the sketches and the CCTV grab. He said that proves the image is that of the killer. “Otherwise someone would have approached us saying that the image is his and he is not the serial killer ,” the officer said.

The anti-terrorism squad, Gandhinagar Police, and crime branch teams are spread across the country to nab the killer who is seen in the CCTV footage from a tea stall. He is wearing a woollen cap which is common in northern states.

The first killing happened on December 9, 2018, a Sunday, at an isolated spot in Gandhinagar. “Kesha Patel, 75, of Shahibaug , was shot at point-blank range on the back of his head,” said an investigator. “The second killing occurred on January 26, 2019, again a public holiday. Juthaji Thokore, 45, of Sherth village near Gandhinagar, was shot.” The investigator went on to say: “The third killing occurred on February 11, 2019, which was again a public holiday. Jogaji Thakore, 65, was shot dead with the same weapon.” All victims were shot at contact range at the back of their head, he said.

Another investigator said that while the motive of the murders is still not clear, all victims were robbed of their valuables and cash. “When we released the suspect’s image, the killings suddenly stopped,” a top police official said. “We apprehend that the man could have shifted to another state and could start killing people there. We have informed our neighboring states about the suspect.”

