In a tragic incident in Kota’s Rojadi area, 32-year-old Jyoti Vaishnav and her 8-year-old daughter, Palak, were found strangled to death in their rented house on Friday night. Police arrested Jyoti’s relative, Pradeep Vaishnav, and his associate Bharat Sahariya, while a third suspect remains at large.
The motive is believed to be a financial dispute over a Rs 60,000 loan Jyoti refused to repay. The brutal murders and robbery shocked the local community, with investigations ongoing under Kota police supervision aiming for swift justice for the victims.
Crime Scene and Investigation Update
Jyoti was discovered in the kitchen with a roti left on the stove, suggesting she was attacked while cooking. Palak, returning from school, witnessed the crime and was also strangled by the accused. Their one-and-a-half-year-old son was found semi-conscious in his cradle. Police found signs of forced entry and robbery; earrings, a mangalsutra, and other valuables were stolen.
Police Superintendent Tejashwini Gautam praised the coordinated response that led to the arrests within 48 hours, utilizing CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and witness testimonies. Sixteen dedicated police teams are working to apprehend the remaining suspect and gather all evidence.
Background and Motive
The suspects, including the primary accused Pradeep Vaishnav, conspired due to unpaid debts. Jyoti had borrowed Rs 60,000 from Pradeep and declined to refund the sum, leading to the premeditated attack.
On the day of the crime, Pradeep and his friends visited Jyoti’s home after her husband left for work, making the family vulnerable. The brutal killing of both mother and daughter, with a robbery staged to mislead investigators, underscores the violence inflamed by financial disputes. Police continue pursuing leads on the absconding third accomplice and possible related elements.
Rising Murder Cases: A Growing Concern
The recent brutal murder of a mother and her daughter in Kota reflects a worrying trend of increasing violent crimes in the city. Reports indicate that Kota has seen a surge in criminal incidents including murders, attempted murders, and robberies, often linked to financial disputes, personal enmities, and social tensions.
Police officials note that such cases disrupt the city’s social fabric and cause widespread fear among residents. Despite active police interventions and arrests, challenges remain in curbing these crimes due to underlying issues like economic stress and weak community support.
This rise in violence demands urgent attention from authorities and civil society to reinforce law enforcement and promote social harmony for safer living environments.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This heart-wrenching case illustrates how unresolved financial conflicts and mistrust can escalate into vile acts of violence, profoundly impacting innocent lives. It highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to protect vulnerable families, especially women and children, from such brutality.
The Logical Indian advocates for community solidarity, peaceful conflict resolution, and social safety nets to prevent such tragedies.

