Nadiad, October 27: A chilling crime inspired by Bollywood movie Drishyam surfaced in Gujarat’s Nadiad where a couple allegedly murdered their 29-year-old neighbour, Saumiya Kalla, to steal her gold chain. The couple, Jaydeep Soni and his wife Lata, reportedly planned the murder to alleviate their financial struggles. They lured Saumiya to their home on September 28, using the pretext of discussing a recipe.

Once inside, they smothered her and struck her with a blunt object, killing her, according to Nadiad Rural Police Inspector J.H. Vaghela. Indian Express reported that the couple then placed her body in a jute sack and transported it on their two-wheeler to the Mahi Canal, where they disposed of it. Drishyam-Style Murder in Kanpur: Gym Trainer Kills Woman, Buries Dead Body Near DM’s Residence; Arrested (Watch Video).

The next day, Jaydeep and Lata allegedly sold Saumiya's 70-gram gold chain for approximately Rs 3 lakh, using the money to buy a two-wheeler and new clothes for their three children. Saumiya's husband, Chidambaram Kalla, filed a missing person report on September 28 when he couldn't locate her after returning from work. Revenge Killing in Gujarat: Man Kills Father’s Murderer After 22 Years in a Similar Manner, Chilling Details Surface.

Saumiya's body was recovered from the Mahi Canal on September 30, with the post-mortem citing drowning as the cause of death. However, since her husband had left for Tamil Nadu for her last rites, police were initially unable to investigate further.

Upon his return, the police probed deeper into the case, uncovering inconsistencies in Jaydeep and Lata's statements. Trying to evade suspicion, the couple claimed they were traveling during the murder, even providing bus tickets to support their alibi. However, surveillance footage showed them carrying a sack on their two-wheeler toward the Mahi Canal, casting doubt on their story.

Further investigation revealed Saumiya frequently visited the Sonis to discuss food, as they operated a tiffin service. The police finally arrested the couple after reconstructing the events, exposing their calculated, Drishyam-style plot for financial gain.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 27, 2024 09:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).