Gujarat Man Learns Bomb-Making Online to Target In-Laws, Arrested

A 44-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a bomb blast that injured two individuals after a parcel exploded at a residence in Ahmedabad. The accused, Rupen Rao, allegedly learned to make bombs and a country-made pistol online to seek revenge against his estranged wife’s friend, Baldev Sukhadia, and her family, whom he blamed for his separation.

According to police officials, the blast occurred around 10:45 AM on Saturday at a row house in the Sabarmati area. Following the explosion, authorities arrested Gaurav Gadhavi at the scene. Using technical surveillance, police later apprehended Rao and his accomplice, Rohan Raval (21), later that night.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2) Bharat Rathod reported that police recovered two additional bombs, a country-made pistol, cartridges, and various materials used for weapon-making from Rao. The bombs were constructed using sulphur powder, gunpowder, and an electronic circuit designed for remote detonation.

Rao’s wife is currently in the process of obtaining a divorce

Rao’s wife is currently in the process of obtaining a divorce, and he believed that Sukhadia had caused a rift between him and his family. The official stated that Rao felt weakened by a stomach ailment and sought to isolate his estranged wife from her family.

Over three to four months, Rao researched bomb and weapon-making techniques online, intending to kill Sukhadia and his in-laws. The police revealed that Rao and Raval conspired to create remote-controlled bombs using materials such as sulphur powder, blades, batteries, charcoal, and gunpowder from fireworks.

Raval, who had been working with Rao for financial gain, initially attempted to deliver the bomb-laden parcel to Sukhadia’s house but returned when the target was not present. The next day, Gadhavi was sent to deliver the parcel, while Raval remained behind to detonate the bomb remotely.

In their investigation, police discovered two live bombs in a car, which were safely defused by the bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) and forensic science laboratory (FSL) teams. Additionally, police recovered a country-made pistol from the vehicle.

The police have charged the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full extent of the plot and the nature of the explosives involved.