A domestic dispute over a mere twenty rupees took a horrifying turn in the national capital, culminating in a tragic murder-suicide. A man in Delhi's Shahdara area allegedly strangled his wife to death after she refused to give him money to buy a cigarette, before taking his own life.
The Fatal Argument Over a Cigarette
The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood, occurred on the night of December 26. According to police reports, the accused, identified as Ravinder Kumar (32), got into a heated argument with his wife, Sunita (30), at their residence in Gali Number 5 of New Usmanpur, Shahdara.
The core of the conflict was a demand for Rs 20. Ravinder, who was reportedly unemployed and often intoxicated, asked Sunita for the money to purchase a cigarette. When Sunita refused, the argument escalated violently. In a fit of rage, Ravinder is alleged to have used a dupatta (scarf) to strangle his wife, leading to her death.
A Grim Discovery and Subsequent Suicide
After committing the act, Ravinder fled the scene. The crime came to light the following morning, on Friday, December 27, when family members discovered Sunita's body. They immediately alerted the local police from the New Usmanpur station.
As police began their investigation and launched a search for the absconding husband, another grim discovery was made. Ravinder's body was found later on Friday, not far from the family home. Preliminary investigation suggests he died by suicide, having consumed a poisonous substance. The exact sequence of events leading to his death is under scrutiny.
Police Investigation and Community Shock
Law enforcement officials have registered a case and initiated a detailed probe. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact causes of death. Forensic teams have also examined the crime scene to gather evidence.
Local residents described the couple as having a strained relationship, with frequent quarrels, often linked to Ravinder's unemployment and substance abuse. The extreme violence stemming from such a trivial demand, however, has left the community in a state of profound shock and sorrow.
This tragic incident underscores the deadly potential of domestic conflicts and the severe societal issues of unemployment, addiction, and gender-based violence. It serves as a grim reminder of the need for community intervention and support systems to identify and help families in distress before such extreme outcomes occur.
