“Bhavini Pravin’s life was cut short in a brutal, callous attack"
Jigukumar Sorthi, aged 24, of Leicester, has been jailed for life for murdering his fiancee out of revenge after she refused to go ahead with their planned wedding.
Leicester Crown Court heard that he stabbed 21-year-old Bhavini Pravin to death at her home a day after he was told their marriage was off.
The couple had been through a civil ceremony in India but would not have been considered married until the traditional ceremony.
During that time, Bhavini was concerned about Sorthi’s drinking and both families agreed to cancel the marriage.
Sorthi heard about the rejection through his family on the evening of March 1, 2020.
The next morning, he went to her home, claiming he wanted to discuss the reasons for the separation. However, he waited until Bhavini and her mother were there by themselves. He then stabbed the victim four times before fleeing.
CCTV footage showed Sorthi spending time in a park. He did not appear to be agitated or upset.
Two hours after the stabbing, Sorthi went to Spinney Hill Police Station where he explained what had happened.
He was charged with murder and during his trial, he admitted killing his fiancee but claimed he had lost control of his actions.
However, prosecutors said he intentionally went to the house when Bhavini’s father was at work.
According to the evidence, the timing of his visit and the fact that he took the knife with him were that he had gone there with intent to kill or cause serious harm.
Sorthi had waited until the victim was at her most vulnerable before stabbing her in front of her mother.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) showed evidence which proved that he planned his actions and intended to kill his fiancee out of revenge for rejecting him.
On September 11, 2020, Sorthi was found guilty of murder.
Lucie Boulter from the CPS said: “Bhavini Pravin’s life was cut short in a brutal, callous attack in her own home.
“The defendant took a knife to her house and yet tried to claim he was not in control of his actions.
“We prepared compelling evidence that showed the court that this was clearly planned and premeditated.
“That morning he got up and knew exactly what he was going to do.”
“Today’s significant sentence reflects Sorthi’s intent, planning and the subsequent lack of remorse for his unacceptable violence towards an innocent young woman and her family.
“I cannot begin to express how sorry I feel for Bhavini’s family.
“Her death is beyond tragic and they have had to deal with the additional trauma of the stabbing being witnessed by her mother.
“They have endured the distressing evidence of the events of 2 March with dignity and courage.”
On September 16, 2020, Sorthi was sentenced to life in prison and will serve a minimum of 28 years.
He also pleaded guilty to having an article with a blade or point and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, to serve concurrently with his life sentence.
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