MARGAO: Even as the real reason why 27-year-old Diksha Ganganwar was allegedly murdered by her husband Gaurav Katiyar, in seawater at the Cabo de Rama beach, is yet to be established, it is learnt that the accused has reportedly told the police that his wife suspected that a girl from Chennai who was just his friend, was his girlfriend.
The accused had reportedly met the girl when he was working in Chennai, but sources in the police said that nothing has come on record that the two were having an extra-marital affair. It is learnt that the girl is originally from Delhi working in Chennai.
A police team is likely to go to Chennai or Delhi depending upon the clue they get, to record that girl’s statement, but so far no permission for this has been granted.
The police have disclosed that after their marriage in November 2022, Gaurav came to Goa, but was not satisfied with his salary from his company linked to an international Hotel chain.
He went to Chennai, where he met the other woman.
“We are trying to find out what happened in Chennai when he came in contact with that woman,” said police sources.
In another development, the Cuncolim police have summoned the younger brother of Gaurav, Bobby Katiyar from Lucknow and recorded his statement.
As per his statement, Diksha (Gaurav’s wife) was living with them in Lucknow and the relationship between the husband and wife was cordial.
One police officer associated with the investigation expressed confidence that within two days the motive of murder will be known while adding that most angles have been ruled out and only the issue of an extra-marital affair remains. The Cuncolim police have seized the accused’s mobile and have collected call details.
Police feel that the intention of the accused to kill his wife was clear since he called her to Colva and on the pretext of showing her Goan beaches, took her to Cabo de Rama where after taking her to the rocky portion of the sea, suffocated her.
Besides, the accused also tried to pass off his wife’s death as a case of drowning when he had gone to get ice cream for them. However, this ploy failed due to the alertness of some tourists who witnessed his movement.
Police believe that their marriage was not a happy one as the couple hardly lived together after tying the knot. The police recorded the statements of Katiyar’s brother on Tuesday.
Police have registered a case under Section 302 of IPC as a murder without adding further charges, as yet.
Meanwhile Gaurav Katiyar will be produced before the Margao JMFC on Wednesday for further police remand.