Trilokpuri Community in Shock Over Neighbor's Alleged Murder-Suicide Plot
Residents of east Delhi's Trilokpuri neighborhood are struggling to reconcile two starkly different images of their 32-year-old neighbor, Sumit Kumar. On one hand, he was known as a jovial and deeply religious individual who spent his evenings playing volleyball and cricket with local children. On the other, he is now at the center of a tragic alleged murder-suicide plot that unfolded in Noida just two days ago.
Grim Discovery in Noida
Sumit Kumar and 28-year-old Rekha were found dead with gunshot wounds inside his locked car in Noida's Sector 107 on Saturday. Preliminary police investigations suggest that Sumit likely shot Rekha before turning the gun on himself. The authorities are currently examining a message allegedly typed by Sumit on his phone, which indicates that the two had been in a relationship for 15 years, but Rekha recently decided to marry someone else, prompting him to take this extreme step.
Family's Confusion and Allegations
Sumit's family members, however, have expressed complete shock and confusion. They claimed on Monday that they were unaware of any friction between Sumit and Rekha. Despite this, they noted that Sumit had been visibly distressed over the past two months and have raised suspicions of foul play behind the twin deaths, questioning the official narrative.
A Life of Contrasts in Trilokpuri
TOI visited Sumit's home in Trilokpuri, where he lived with his parents, brother, sister-in-law, and nephew. Sumit, who ran a mineral water business, had reportedly played state-level cricket before a road accident forced him to pause his athletic pursuits. "He took care of everyone. We wouldn't worry when he was around," said his cousin, Amit. The Kumar family is particularly baffled by how Sumit accessed a firearm, with his uncle, Surender Kumar, stating, "We never saw him in bad company."
Routine and Financial Support
Sumit had a regular routine of driving to Noida to pick Rekha up from work and drop her home. He was supposed to follow this routine last Friday when he left home at 5 pm. According to relatives, Sumit had been supporting Rekha financially over the years. "He recently bought a car and a house, where the couple was expected to stay after marriage," said Rajpal, a family friend. However, wedding plans were reportedly delayed because Rekha's family wanted to marry off her elder sister first.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The police are continuing their investigation into the case, focusing on the alleged message and other evidence. The Trilokpuri community remains in a state of disbelief, grappling with the sudden and violent end to a man they knew as a pillar of their neighborhood. This incident has sparked discussions about mental health, relationship dynamics, and public safety in urban areas.
