Delhi Family Slain in Suspected Domestic Violence Case
In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the capital, a 30-year-old woman and her three daughters, aged between three and five, were discovered dead with their throats slit inside their residence in Outer Delhi's Samaypur Badli area. The brutal killings are believed to have occurred on Tuesday night, and the woman's husband, identified as Munchun Kewat, has been missing since the incident, making him the primary suspect in the case.
Police Investigation and Suspect Details
Hareshwar Swami, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer North), confirmed that Kewat, a vegetable vendor at Azadpur Mandi, is the main suspect. Police were alerted to the crime on Wednesday by neighbors in the Chandan Park apartment building. Upon arrival, officers found no signs of a struggle, leading them to suspect the victims were killed while sleeping. A senior officer stated, "We suspect they were killed while sleeping," indicating the possibility that sedatives were administered before the attack. Forensic teams have collected food leftovers, including kheer and ladoo, for laboratory analysis to determine if any substances were mixed in.
Discovery of the Bodies and Family Accounts
The gruesome discovery was made by Kewat's 10-year-old nephew, who lived nearby. He had been sent to check on the family after his father noticed Kewat's phone was switched off and he failed to show up for work at the mandi, where they typically went together. The boy found the gate to the room open and entered to see the bodies on the bed with visible injuries. He immediately ran out crying, alerting neighbors who then contacted the police.
Ruby Devi, a relative residing in the same building, recounted the harrowing moment: "When I heard the boy screaming, I thought it might be a case of child theft, as rumours had been swirling. But he told me what had happened to my family. When I went inside, I found them lying on the bed. The children's throats were slit, and the woman was lying face down." She described the scene as traumatic and heartbreaking for the entire community.
Background and Police Actions
According to police sources, an argument occurred between Kewat and his wife Anita around 9 pm on Tuesday. CCTV footage has captured the suspect walking in the area, and his phone was switched off after 10:30 pm, further implicating him. Neighbors, including Parul who lives in a neighboring room, reported hearing no unusual sounds that night, suggesting the killings were carried out stealthily. Another relative, Sapna, mentioned she last saw Kewat on Tuesday wearing a maroon shirt and slippers.
In response, police have launched extensive raids in Bihar, Kewat's native state, as well as in other parts of Delhi. Investigators are also looking into his previous activities in Chennai, where he had worked, to trace his whereabouts and motives. A case under Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered at the Samaypur Badli police station, underscoring the severity of the crime.
Community Impact and Ongoing Probe
The tragedy has left the local community in a state of fear and disbelief, highlighting issues of domestic violence and safety in residential areas. With two other families living on the same floor, the incident raises concerns about neighborly awareness and emergency response. Police continue to pursue all leads, emphasizing the urgency of apprehending the suspect to bring justice for the victims and closure for the grieving family members.
