A 37-year-old cement unit owner in Gujarat’s Rajkot district allegedly killed his two children before ending his life at his workplace in Gondal, police said. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community.
The man, Jaipal Togadia, a carpenter by profession and resident of Sandhwaya village, ran a cement company. Police said he strangled his 15-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter inside the factory premises on Friday before hanging himself.
Officials said Togadia had sent a video message to his brother-in-law shortly before the incident, referring to financial distress linked to business losses. In the message, he stated that he was taking the extreme step due to financial problems and requested that his family not be held responsible.
“I am taking the extreme step due to financial distress and my family should not be held responsible,” he said in the video accessed by police.
Preliminary findings suggested that Togadia brought his daughter to the factory earlier in the day and later called his son there. At the time of the incident, only the three were present at the premises. His wife was at home and was unaware of what had unfolded at the factory.
A senior police official said a team reached the spot along with emergency services after receiving information. The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
Togadia had reportedly been engaged in the cement business for around 15 years and owned more than one unit. He lived with his wife, two children, and elderly father.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over Sandhwaya village and nearby areas, where locals described the family as well known and expressed shock over the tragedy.
Police are examining the video message and the financial background of the man to determine the exact sequence of events.
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Published By:
Ritaban Misra
Published On:
May 9, 2026 21:49 IST
