Delhi Police Deepen Probe into Mysterious Car Deaths Near Peeragarhi Flyover
The investigation into the tragic deaths of three individuals discovered inside a car near the Peeragarhi flyover in west Delhi has taken a significant turn. Authorities are now actively exploring whether this case constitutes homicide or a complex murder-suicide scenario. This shift comes after the families of two deceased men, Randhir (78) and Shiv Naresh (47), firmly rejected initial suggestions that the deaths might have been suicides.
Multiple Theories Under Scrutiny
Police sources have revealed that one line of inquiry focuses on determining if any of the victims—Randhir, Shiv Naresh, or Laxmi (40)—were subjected to blackmail or extortion. Additionally, investigators are examining the possibility of a fourth person being involved, given that the passenger seat was found unoccupied. This theory is being pursued through meticulous analysis of CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
While awaiting official post-mortem reports, the police are conducting a thorough forensic examination. The forensic team, upon gaining access to the locked vehicle, reported a strong, pungent odor consistent with a suspected poisonous substance. A soft drink bottle and plastic glasses recovered from the car are being tested to ascertain if they were used to administer a lethal cocktail.
Financial and Personal Backgrounds Under Microscope
The investigation has expanded to include a detailed review of the victims' financial activities. Since all three were involved in private lending and financing, police are scrutinizing bank statements, call logs, and debtor lists to identify any potential financial disputes that might have preceded the incident.
Contrary to initial assumptions, the families of Randhir and Shiv Naresh have stated that neither man was suffering from depression or facing any immediate financial crisis. The two had been business partners in real estate for over six years, with Randhir having transitioned from a DTC bus driver to a successful property dealer after taking voluntary retirement two decades ago.
Key Evidence and Missing Items
At the scene, investigators found several personal items, including a helmet and tracksuit belonging to Shiv Naresh, along with a gamchha (towel) on the back seat. The woman's jewellery, cash in Randhir's pocket, and the mobile phones of Shiv and Laxmi were all present and intact. However, Randhir's mobile phone was notably missing, according to family statements.
The sequence of events on the day of the incident has also been pieced together. On Sunday morning, Shiv Naresh arrived at Randhir's residence on his motorcycle, which he parked there. The two men then departed together around 10 am in Randhir's car, with Randhir driving and Shiv in the passenger seat. Laxmi, a resident of Jahangirpuri who was known to Shiv, was not with them at that time, as confirmed by Randhir's family.
Family Accounts Paint Picture of Normalcy
Randhir's family described him as a content and prosperous individual. His nephew, Mohit, recounted that Randhir left home with Shiv Naresh in the morning as he would on any ordinary day, exchanging greetings around 9:30 am. Randhir's brother, Naresh (68), provided further insight into his financial stability, noting monthly rental earnings of Rs 15-16 lakh and ownership of valuable land leased to a petrol pump near Chanchal Park.
The family was eagerly anticipating the inauguration of a ground-plus-three property valued at approximately Rs 5 crore on March 25. Randhir was also known for his charitable contributions, regularly donating substantial sums, such as Rs 1 lakh or more, to a local cow shelter.
Shiv Naresh's son, Atul (20), shared that his father had discussed plans for a business meeting earlier that morning, mentioning that four or five people would be involved in collecting money for a deal. Atul and his brother are currently students, while their mother resides as a homemaker in Etah, Uttar Pradesh.
As the investigation continues, Delhi Police are committed to unraveling the truth behind this perplexing case, balancing forensic evidence with personal narratives to determine the exact circumstances that led to this tragedy.
