A domestic argument over a seemingly trivial matter—a wet towel—escalated into a deadly crime in the heart of Delhi, leading to the death of a South Korean national. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, occurred in the upscale Vasant Kunj area and resulted in the arrest of a 36-year-old woman from Manipur.
A Deadly Altercation Over Household Chores
The tragic event unfolded on the evening of January 4, 2026, inside a rented accommodation in Vasant Kunj's C-Block. According to the Delhi Police, the accused, identified as Rinku Kumari, allegedly stabbed her 43-year-old South Korean partner, Lee Kyung Jae, following a heated argument. The trigger for the conflict was reportedly Lee's annoyance at finding a wet towel placed on the bed.
Police officials stated that the couple had been in a relationship and living together for some time. The argument, which began over the towel, quickly spiraled out of control. In a fit of rage, Rinku Kumari is accused of grabbing a knife from the kitchen and attacking Lee Kyung Jae. He sustained multiple stab wounds during the assault.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Authorities were alerted to the scene after receiving information about the violent incident. Upon arrival, they found Lee Kyung Jae critically injured. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead by doctors. The police immediately secured the premises and initiated an investigation.
The accused, Rinku Kumari, was apprehended from the crime scene itself. During preliminary questioning, she did not deny her involvement. A murder case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code at the Vasant Kunj North police station. The weapon believed to be used in the crime has been recovered as evidence.
Investigators are delving deeper into the couple's background, the nature of their relationship, and whether there were any prior incidents of domestic discord. Forensic teams have also examined the apartment to gather corroborative evidence.
Community Shock and Legal Proceedings
The murder has left residents of the normally quiet neighborhood in a state of disbelief. The fact that a minor domestic issue led to such a violent conclusion has become a talking point. The case also highlights the complexities of interpersonal relationships that can sometimes turn fatal.
The South Korean embassy in New Delhi has been informed about the death of their national. They are expected to coordinate with local authorities and assist in the legal formalities. The police are ensuring that the investigation follows due procedure as the case involves a foreign citizen.
Rinku Kumari was produced before a local court, which remanded her to police custody for further interrogation. The police are building a chargesheet based on physical evidence, witness accounts, and the accused's statement. The tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of how unchecked anger and poor conflict resolution can have irreversible consequences, shattering lives in an instant.
