Noida Murder-Suicide: Ex-Couple Found Dead in Locked Car, Police Probe WhatsApp Message
In a shocking incident in Noida, a 32-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman were discovered dead with gunshot wounds inside a locked car in Sector 107 on Saturday afternoon. Police are currently investigating the twin deaths as a murder-suicide, with a crucial WhatsApp message on the man's phone suggesting he killed his ex-girlfriend before turning the gun on himself.
Victims Identified and Background Details
The deceased have been identified as Rekha, a resident of Salarpur in Noida, and Sumit Kumar, who lived in Trilokpuri, Delhi. Rekha was employed at a private company in Sector 62, while Sumit operated a mineral water plant business. Their tragic ends have left both families devastated and raised questions about their strained relationship.
Discovery of the Bodies and Initial Police Response
The grim discovery was made around 1 PM on Saturday when local residents noticed a suspiciously parked car near Dadri Road, close to pillar number 84. The vehicle had been stationary for an extended period, prompting passersby to investigate. They found a man holding a gun and a woman bleeding and unconscious in their seats, immediately alerting the authorities.
A team from the Sector 39 police station swiftly arrived, breaking open a window to access the car. Both individuals were confirmed dead from head gunshot wounds. Police recovered an illegal pistol and two spent cartridges from the scene, marking the beginning of a detailed forensic and investigative process.
WhatsApp Message and Relationship History
Police are examining a WhatsApp message allegedly typed by Sumit at 3:39 PM on Friday. In this message, Sumit wrote that he and Rekha had been in a relationship for 15 years and had plans to marry. However, he claimed that Rekha recently decided to marry someone else, which drove him to take extreme action. It remains unclear whether this message was sent to anyone or saved for personal reference.
Rekha's family has provided additional context, alleging that Sumit had been harassing her in the past. They stated that a complaint was filed against him, which was later resolved after he apologized and promised not to trouble her again. According to Rekha's brother, the couple's relationship deteriorated in recent months as her family arranged her marriage elsewhere due to caste differences.
Missing Person Complaints and Timeline Reconstruction
Both families had filed missing person complaints on Friday—Rekha's at the Sector 58 police station in Noida and Sumit's in Delhi. Investigators believe the two likely planned their meeting in advance. Police are now scanning CCTV footage from over 50 cameras in the area to trace Rekha's movements from her office and determine where she met Sumit.
Police sources indicate that Rekha's family reported she typically returned home by 7 PM. When she failed to do so on Friday, they approached a local police outpost later that night. Her phone was off throughout Friday but was switched on around 7 AM on Saturday, with calls going unanswered. This suggests one or both individuals were alive at that time, with the shootings occurring later in the morning on Saturday.
Family Concerns and Police Investigation Details
Sumit's brother, Sachin, has raised questions about the circumstances of their deaths, noting that the car was found less than a kilometer from Rekha's house. He has demanded a thorough investigation to rule out any foul play, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Manisha Singh provided updates to reporters, stating, "Forensic teams were called to the spot. Blood samples, the weapon, and other material evidence were collected. Ballistic examination of the pistol will help determine the sequence of firing, the distance from which the shots were fired, and other crucial details."
Officials emphasized that mobile phone data from both deceased individuals will be examined to reconstruct their movements and conversations prior to the incident. This analysis is vital to ascertain whether they remained in the car since meeting on Friday evening or if they went elsewhere or met someone during that time.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps
The police investigation continues to unfold, with forensic evidence and digital data playing key roles in piecing together the events leading to this tragedy. As authorities work to confirm the murder-suicide theory, the case highlights broader issues of relationship violence and mental health, urging a closer look at preventive measures in such situations.
