Delhi Murder: Man Kills Live-In Partner Over Property Dispute, Family Members Assist in Cover-Up

On the night of the incident, the couple had allegedly consumed alcohol before a violent argument broke out between them.

New Delhi:

Police have apprehended the wife and brother-in-law of a man accused of murdering his live-in partner in southwest Delhi's Chhawla area. They allegedly assisted him in moving the deceased woman's body to a vehicle, authorities reported on Monday.

Authorities had previously arrested Virendra, aged 35, for allegedly killing the 44-year-old woman by throttling her with his elbow following an alcohol-fueled dispute at their rented accommodation during the night between November 25 and 26.

According to a senior police officer, two additional suspects—Chetan, 21, Virendra's brother-in-law from Haryana's Charkhi Dadri, and Poonam, 31, Virendra's wife—were taken into custody on November 28 after evidence suggested their involvement in the crime.

"Both Chetan and Poonam arrived at the residence that night and helped Virendra carry the woman's body down to the vehicle parked outside. The clothes they wore during the incident have been confiscated, along with an electric scooter they used to reach the location," the officer stated.

Investigators revealed that Virendra, employed by a bus company, had been cohabiting with the victim for two years. The woman previously owned property in Palam, which they sold together. With the proceeds, Virendra purchased a three-story building in his name in Chhawla in August, while retaining approximately Rs 21 lakh from the sale—a recurring source of conflict between them.

On the night of the incident, the couple reportedly consumed alcohol before an argument escalated. During the confrontation, Virendra pinned the woman to the bed and allegedly throttled her with his elbow, causing her death.

Police reported that following the murder, Virendra contacted Chetan and Poonam for assistance. After the three moved the body to the car, the couple departed, and Virendra attempted to drive away to dispose of the remains. However, being heavily intoxicated, he abandoned the vehicle barely 100 meters from the residence and returned home, where he continued drinking before falling asleep.

Around 9 am the following morning, a neighbor discovered the woman's body inside the vehicle and alerted the police.

Virendra was found asleep at home and immediately arrested. Police indicated that further investigation is ongoing, including forensic examination of the seized clothing and electric scooter.