Bethany 
Panaji, June 2025: What was meant to be a celebratory trip for a young couple soon became the setting for a chilling murder that has stunned the state of Goa and sparked outrage nationwide. This 27-year-old woman, Diksha Gangwar, had traveled from Lucknow to Goa with her husband, Gaurav Katiyar was found dead on the shore of Cabo De Rma beach in South Goa. It was initially claimed to be a drowning incident, but the truth unraveled into a case of cold-blooded murder, allegedly committed by her own partner.
The police sources, Diksha and Gaurav, had been in Goa for a few days to work on their strained marriage. Gaurav, a manager at a luxury hotel in a restaurant in Goa, was living apart from Diksha for some months following accusations of infidelity. This trip was meant to serve as a reconciliation, but it ended in tragedy. On April 28, this couple visited Cabo de Rama beach, which is an area known for its rocky shores and sparse crowds. Tourists saw a couple entering the shallow water together. Minutes later, Gaurav was seen walking out alone.
Tourists became suspicious when they spotted Diksha’s body floating in the waves. Gaurav claimed that she had slipped and drowned while he had gone to buy ice cream. These inconsistencies in his story and the forensic evidence told a different tale. Videos captured by nearby tourists reportedly showed Gaurav entering and exiting the water multiple times with no visible distress or attempt to rescue. Medical examination later confirmed signs of external injuries and drowning, suggesting that she was forcibly held underwater.
The police interrogations revealed that this couple had a heated argument shortly before the incident. Gaurav eventually confessed to drowning Diksha, citing rage after she confronted him about his ongoing affair with another woman. Authorities charged him under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for murder. He is in police custody as the investigation continues.
Locals and tourists alike are shaken by the brutality of the act. This case has also sparked discussion a bout domestic abuse, trust in intimate relationships, and the rising number of violent crimes among romantic relationships. The couple was married for less than two years and while family members described Diksha as “loving and hopeful about reconciliation,” Gaurav’s friends reportedly knew about his extramarital affair.
Police are now combing through mobile phone records, digital messages, and hotel CCTV footage to piece together the days leading up to the crime. Investigators are exploring whether there was any premeditation or if anyone else was aware of Gaurav’s intentions. The motive appeared to be deeply personal, and the execution of the crime showed chilling calculation. The case is a haunting reminder of how love, when poisoned by betrayal and anger, can turn fatal. Goa, well known for its sun-soaked beaches and romantic getaways, witnessed a moment of horror that will not be forgotten with ease. This legal proceeding unfolded, Diksha’s family is demanding the harshest punishment for the man she once trusted with her life.
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