Israeli Man Indicted for Murdering Grandfather’s Caregiver in Jerusalem

The Israeli State Prosecutor's Office filed a murder indictment against 31-year-old Aviaor Zaken at the Jerusalem District Court on Friday. Zaken is accused of intentionally killing Rajib Acharya, an Indian national who worked as a caregiver for Zaken’s grandfather. The prosecution has requested that Zaken remain in custody throughout the legal proceedings.

According to the indictment, about three weeks ago Zaken visited his grandparents’ home in Jerusalem for lunch. Acharya, who lived there as the caregiver, was present. After the meal, Acharya went to rest in his room, and Zaken followed him shortly after. During a conversation, Zaken decided to murder Acharya, stabbing him multiple times in the neck, chest, ear, and nose with a sharp object, intending to cause death. Acharya struggled and cried out for help. When Zaken’s grandmother asked about the noise, Zaken lied that it was coming from the television.

Acharya attempted to flee to the living room but collapsed and died shortly after from severe blood loss. Zaken falsely told his grandparents that Acharya had committed suicide. While Acharya was dying, Zaken moved the bloodied rug and the victim’s body to avoid staining the floor, changed his shirt, washed his hands, and calmly left the house after kissing his grandparents goodbye. He took the blood-stained shirt and the murder weapon with him.

Jerusalem District Prosecutor Jenny Avni condemned the killing, highlighting that Acharya had come to Israel to work and support his family, only to be violently murdered in the home where he was supposed to feel safe. She emphasized Zaken’s cold-blooded behavior and deceit after the attack, underscoring the severity of the crime. The prosecution expressed condolences to Acharya’s family, who lost their loved one far from home.