Distressed businessman murders wife, 4-year-old son in Surat

SURAT: Residents of Rajhans Swapna Complex in the Sarthana area were horrified to wake up on Friday to a brutal stabbing spree carried out by a 35-year-old businessman, which claimed the lives of his wife and four-year-old son. The businessman, Smit Jivani, also severely injured his elderly parents before attempting to take his own life.
Jivani stabbed his wife, Hiral (32), and their son, Chahit, before turning on his father, Labhu (60), and mother, Vilas (53). Following the attack, he attempted suicide by slitting his neck and wrists.
While Hiral and Chahit died on the spot, Jivani and his parents were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital. The elderly couple's condition is said to be extremely critical but Jivani's injuries are not severe.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Jivani was deeply troubled after some close relatives severed ties with him and his family a few days prior to the incident. Police also found that he had incurred huge debt and is suspected to have suffered losses in stock market.
The Jivani family, originally from Savarkundla town in Amreli district, lived on the eighth floor of Surya Tower in for many years.
The tragedy unfolded around 9am when a profusely bleeding Vilas managed to escape the flat and screamed for help. Her cries alerted neighbours, who immediately called for an ambulance and informed the police. Sources said Jivani first slit the throat of his son, who was asleep.
According to the police, Vilas was conscious when she was taken to the hospital and provided details about the events leading up to the attack. She told the cops that her husband Labhu's elder brother passed away five days ago. The Jivani family had even visited the grieving family several times. However, during one visit, a relative told Jivani to stay away and declared that they did not wish to maintain any further relations with him.
Vilas told police en route hospital how Jivani kept repeating the harsh words of rejection. lamenting that he was now alone and that no one wanted to maintain ties with him anymore.