Family friend kills Mandsaur couple, stabs 43 times:Vikas Soni rides 80 km from Rajasthan, has tea with couple before stabbing them to death

In Mandsaur on Wednesday night, a 20-year-old family friend, Vikas Soni, killed Dilip Jain and his wife, Rekha Jain, at their residence in the Gol Chauraha area. According to police, Vikas rode a scooter for about 80 kilometres from Nimbahera in Rajasthan to reach Dilip’s house. On arrival, he was invited inside, and the couple engaged in casual conversation over tea and biscuits for approximately half an hour. Suddenly, a dispute escalated between Dilip and Vikas. During the altercation, Vikas attempted to shoot Dilip with a country-made pistol, but the gun misfired. He then produced a knife, hidden in a sock on his foot, and stabbed Dilip 13 times. Dilip succumbed to his injuries on the spot. Wife intervenes, also fatally attacked Hearing the commotion, Rekha Jain rushed to her husband’s aid. Vikas attacked her with the knife, delivering more than 30 blows to her head, neck, chest, and hands. She died at the scene. After killing the couple, Vikas did not flee. He walked inside the house, sat on the sofa, and then shot himself in the right temple. The bullet exited his head and lodged in the plaster ceiling of the house. Police confirmed that only a single bullet was fired during the incident. Police recover CCTV footage, weapons, and other evidence Following the incident, police and a forensic team arrived at the scene. Initial investigations indicate that the attack may have been linked to an old business dispute. CCTV footage shows Vikas leaving Nimbahera at 5:40 PM and reaching Mandsaur at 7:22 PM. The footage also shows him with his face covered with a cloth and wearing gloves, suggesting premeditation. Police said the sequence of events, as captured in the CCTV, confirms that Vikas came fully prepared. Covering his face and wearing gloves indicate that the attack was planned. Investigators are using the footage to study his movements, timeline, and possible motives. Timeline of the incident at Dilip’s house When Vikas arrived at Dilip’s residence, only Rekha Jain was present. He called Dilip, who arrived 12 minutes later. The couple and Vikas sat together and had tea and biscuits served by Rekha. Rekha then went to a room on the second floor. After around 30 minutes of conversation, the dispute escalated. Vikas first tried to fire the pistol at Dilip, but the weapon failed. He then used the knife to stab Dilip 13 times in the chest and face. When Rekha rushed to intervene, Vikas stabbed her repeatedly, inflicting fatal injuries. Despite the brutal attack, Vikas did not panic, walked through the house, sat on the sofa, and then shot himself. Items seized and post-mortem details Police recovered a knife, a pistol, a cartridge, the bullet lodged in the ceiling, and a DVR containing CCTV footage. Four gold bangles were also recovered at the scene. During post-mortem, a bundle of ₹500 notes was recovered from Vikas’s pocket. Dilip Jain had 18 notes of ₹500, totaling ₹9,000. SP Vinod Kumar Meena said the post-mortem has been completed, and the bodies of all three have been handed over to their families. He added that the investigation continues, with further action to be taken based on the post-mortem report, CCTV footage, and statements from family members. A case has been registered against Vikas Soni under Sections 103(1), 25/27, and 302 of the Indian Penal Code, based on a complaint by Dilip Jain’s nephew, Manav. Family background and community reaction Vikas Soni, a resident of Nimbahera, ran a shop called Apna Jewellers. His father had passed away, leaving him with his mother and wife. Vikas had two sons, aged three and seven. Dilip Jain also had two children, with his son working as an architect and his daughter studying in Gurugram. Both families had a long-standing relationship. Vikas’s father and Dilip’s father had known each other for over 20 years, and the families frequently visited each other. After the death of Vikas’s father, Dilip developed an even closer bond with him. Neighbours and family members expressed shock at the incident, saying they could not believe the turn of events. Police follow leads in Rajasthan Mandsaur City Kotwali police travelled to Nimbahera to question Vikas’s family. His mother, sister, and wife confirmed that Vikas and Dilip had a 20-year friendship. According to Vikas’s mother, Dilip and Rekha had visited their house in August 2025, and the families had spent time together over tea. Family members added that Vikas had avoided calls from Dilip for some time, but he did not disclose the reason to anyone. Vikas’s sister, who arrived from the Netherlands upon hearing the news, stated that her brother had never mentioned any disputes, debts, or trouble with Dilip. She added that she could still not believe the incident. On the day of the murder, Vikas’s wife was at her parents’ home with their children. Police are continuing the investigation into the motive, timeline, and movements of Vikas Soni, using CCTV footage, post-mortem reports, and interviews with family and friends.