A 50-year-old doctor was arrested on Thursday for allegedly killing his domestic help, who had worked for him for over 15 years, at his residence in south Delhi's Mount Kailash. Police suspect that an argument with his wife over sacking the maid may have prompted the accused, who was undergoing psychiatric treatment, to commit the murder.
Details of the Incident
The accused, Dr Manish Gupta, a dermatologist, was found sitting on the stairs inside the building. When police arrived, Gupta told them, "Mujhe faansi dedo (hang me)." A bat and a blood-stained kitchen knife were recovered from the scene. The victim, Meena, 45, was found lying in a pool of blood on the terrace of the bungalow after a resident of an opposite tower spotted her from a sixth-floor balcony and alerted police.
Background of the Accused
Gupta had been undergoing treatment for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder for nearly a decade. "He was struggling mentally and having violent thoughts. He was contemplating if he should kill his wife, son or himself," a senior police officer said. "He and his wife had been quarrelling about firing Meena as he did not want her to work there. However, she insisted that Meena continue as she had been very helpful and caring about the family."
The Victim's Loyalty
Meena had worked at Gupta's residence for over 15 years. She had reportedly taken care of the family during a critical time when Gupta's mother, who died one-and-a-half years ago, was battling cancer. On Thursday, Meena reached the house around 10.30am for her routine work. After washing clothes, she went to the terrace to hang the laundry. Gupta allegedly attacked her there, repeatedly striking her on the face and head with his son's bat before slitting her throat with a knife. "The slit mark on Meena's neck resembles a medical incision," the senior police officer said.
Family Members Present
Gupta's 19-year-old son was in the house at the time of the crime. Police said after the attack, Gupta came downstairs and told him he had attacked the house-help. His wife was not at home. Gupta's wife is an ayurvedic dermatologist with a BAMS degree, and his son is a 1st year LLB student at a private university.
Victim's Family Reacts
Meena is survived by her husband and son Robin. Her husband lives in their village in North 24 Parganas in West Bengal, while the son, who is married, works for a private company in Nehru Place. "I left for work as usual around 6.30am. Later, a relative called and said mother had died. She never complained about 'doctor sir' and there were never any issues between them. Why would someone do this?" Robin told TOI.
Chaos at the Scene
The murder triggered scenes of anguish and chaos outside the house as grieving family members gathered at the spot. Upset relatives attempted to stop multiple police vehicles from taking the accused away, with some even opening the gate of one of the police cars. Senior police officers intervened to calm tempers. Shaptami Biswas, Meena's sister, described her as the gentlest member of the family. "Meena was the most soft-spoken among all of us. We will not return to work until we are given answers about what happened," she said.
Investigation Underway
Police said they are probing whether Gupta had stopped taking his medication. The investigation is ongoing.
