Delhi Landlord Murders Tenant Over Phone Hacking and Rare Coins Theft Allegations

Further investigation is underway, police added. (Representational)

New Delhi:

A man has died and another sustained injuries after their landlord allegedly assaulted them on suspicion of phone hacking and stealing rare coins from his collection, according to police statements on Friday.

The accused landlord, identified as Irshad (31), was arrested on November 11. Police reported that he was addicted to using Termin injection vials for gym workouts and had utilized one during the assault incident.

"The incident was discovered on November 9 when the victim, Tamanney, arrived at Subhash Place police station accompanied by two acquaintances, claiming he had been beaten by his landlord," stated Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Bhisham Singh.

Tamanney soon began losing consciousness and was rushed to Bhagwan Mahavir Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. During the investigation, authorities learned that the deceased worked at a factory in Lawrence Road and resided in Shakurpur.

His co-worker, Nazim, informed investigators that Tamanney and his roommate, Virender, had been confined and beaten by their landlord, Irshad, over a two-day period - Wednesday and Thursday - due to suspicions of phone hacking and theft of rare coins. The assault reportedly involved kicks, punches, and a belt.

Nazim stated that the two victims managed to escape on Friday morning and reached his residence. Over the next two days, Tamanney sought medical attention at multiple clinics after complaining of abdominal pain.

An ultrasound later revealed significant internal bleeding, prompting them to report the incident to the police station, Nazim added.

The second victim, Virender, reportedly fled to his native village in Bihar out of fear, according to Nazim's statement to police.

Law enforcement conducted raids across Delhi and multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh, including Etah, Kasganj, and Aligarh, to apprehend the accused.

Acting on intelligence, police captured Irshad from Rohini on November 11. During interrogation, he confessed to assaulting both victims, claiming he suspected them of attempting to hack his phone to erase evidence related to a robbery at his Wazirpur factory. He also accused them of stealing rare coins from his collection.

Police registered a case under section 103(1) (Murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Authorities recovered a belt used for beating, rope used for restraining the victims, a Termin injection vial, and the suspect's mobile phone based on information from the accused.

Police noted that Irshad has a previous record involving a case of causing hurt and wrongful restraint in Subhash Place earlier this year.

The investigation continues, police added.