Man kills daughter, dresses her in white, puts body in fridge, dies by suicide

Police say a man in Amreli allegedly killed his five-year-old daughter and died by suicide. Notes found at the house pointed to a severe financial crisis as investigators probed the deaths.The man placed a paper bearing the words “Happy Birthday Himanshi” on the refrigerator, even though it was not the five-year-old’s birthday. (AI image for representation)A 40-year-old construction site supervisor allegedly killed his five-year-old daughter before dying by suicide in Gujarat’s Amreli district, leaving behind three notes that police said pointed to a financial crisis.The disturbing incident came to light on Wednesday when the man’s wife, Manjuben, returned to their home after failing to reach him over the phone. Inside, police found the man hanging from a ceiling fan and his daughter’s body inside a refrigerator.But what investigators found inside the room made the case even more unusual. The room had been decorated with balloons and candles, while chocolates had been kept inside. A paper bearing the words “Happy Birthday Himanshi” was placed on the refrigerator, even though it was not the five-year-old’s birthday.According to Rajula Deputy Superintendent of Police Nayana Goradiya, the man, identified as Kishore Dhanak, was at home with his daughter Himanshi on Wednesday when he smothered her by covering her mouth with his hand. He then placed her body inside the refrigerator before hanging himself. Police said Dhanak had left three suicide notes on a bed. The notes allegedly described his financial troubles, explained why he killed his daughter and apologised for his actions.According to the FIR, Dhanak had taken a personal loan and invested the money in construction work. He was expecting to receive Rs 7.25 lakh from business associates but had not been paid. “He had to receive Rs 7.25 lakh, but they (business friends) had not given him anything. Now he had no money and could not find any solution, and hence, he was committing suicide with his daughter,” the FIR stated.In another note, Dhanak reportedly said he had killed Himanshi because he did not want her to suffer after his death. A third note contained an apology and mentioned that he had placed his daughter’s body inside the refrigerator.'SOMETHING UNUSUAL ABOUT THE ROOM'Inspector P L Chaudhary said the scene inside the house suggested that Dhanak had arranged what appeared to be a final birthday celebration for his daughter.“There was something unusual about the room,” Chaudhary told PTI.Police said Himanshi had been dressed in white clothes, with a dupatta placed over her head. Cushions had been kept inside the refrigerator, and 'tulsi' leaves were placed on the child’s lips.“It seemed like he wanted to celebrate her birthday one last time. They had also performed a puja with idols in the room, which was decorated with balloons and candles. He also kept chocolates in the room and refrigerator,” Chaudhary said.HOW DEATH CAME TO LIGHTManjuben had gone to her father’s house on September 14. When she could not reach Dhanak by phone, she asked her brother to check on him on Wednesday evening.He went to the house but received no response. Manjuben subsequently broke open the door and found Dhanak hanging from the ceiling fan.Police then searched the house and found Himanshi’s body inside the refrigerator.A case has been registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with murder. Police said further investigation is underway.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 18, 2026 16:48 IST