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A 63-year-old doctor was allegedly murdered at his reayin Jangpura Extension, Southeast Delhi, on Sunday. The Delhi Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the crime, including a 60-year- old woman who worked as a house help. The other two suspects are a 38-year-old priest from Haridwar and his 30-year- old brother.
The police revealed that the accused had been planning a crime for approximately 2 months and had involved their acquaintances from Nepal. Currently 4 more individuals involved in the incident are still at large. The house help was employed by the victim for more than 24 years and was assisted by another woman who also worked as a help in the vicinity.
Doctor Yogesh Chander Paul, the victim, was discovered dead in his kitchen by his wife, doctor Neena Paul, on Friday evening. He was allegedly strangled to death using his dog’s leash, while his dog, Molly, was locked in the bathroom. The police stated that doctor Paul was alone at home when the preparators entered, restrained him, silenced him with a cap, and killed him. The suspect fled with cash and gold jewelry from the house.
Delhi Crime: 60- year-old household worker planned the murder
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rajesh Deo has identified the 60-year-old help known as Basanti, who goes by a single name. The other suspects have been identified as the second help, Varsha, and her husband Bhim, who are currently at large, along with two others whose names have not been disclosed. Among the arrested suspects are the priest Himanyand his brother Aakash.
According to Deo, the police reviewed multiple CCTV footage to narrow down the suspects. “At least five individuals were involved, either seen at the scene or near the residence. By compiling various CCTV footage, it was determined that the preparators headed to Sarai Kale Khan after the crime. They were observed carrying large polythene bags,” Deo stated.
The accused departed from Sarai Kale Khan at 5pm. ” We observed a woman accompanying them. Initially, we followed various leads. However, the family identified the woman as Basanti. They have known her for more than two decades, trusted her and did not conduct police verification,” an officer mentioned. The police did not specify who carried out the murder and who kept watch.
The incident occurred between 1.30pm and 2.30pm, when Dr. Paul had returned home while his wife was still at work. Investigation revealed that Dr. Paul was followed by two of the accused on his way back home. Subsequently, the men entered his residence. CCTV footage from around the house shows another individual entering a few minutes later. By 3pm, all three suspects were seen leaving the premises.
Reconnaissance of the area was conducted before murder
According to the authorities, Basanti devised a plan to rob the couple after overhearing conversation about the valuable gold jewelry kept in their house. The police stated that Basanti initially contacted a friend in Haridwar and Varsha, using the Messenger app to video call them and show them the house.
“Between March 15 and April, Varsha made multiple visits to the house. Basanti would call her under the pretense of offering assistance and give her a tour of the house. Over the course of two months, the women created a rough map of the house and surrounding area, making it easier for the culprits to locate the valuables and escape routes,” explains an officer.
Basanti also approached an old friend named Bisroop Sai for assistance.”We were able to identify him through CCTV footage. He then involved the priest and his brother, and they also contacted 3-4 men from Nepal. It was a well-coordinated operation,” added the second officer.
On May 5,Bisroop, Himanshu, and Aakash arrived in Delhi and conducted a reconnaissance of the area. They returned on May 7 with their team. Initially, they checked into a hotel in Sarai Kale Khan and then proceeded with a second reconnaissance.
“They followed Dr. Paul and attacked him when they found him alone. To avoid arousing suspicion, they left the scene in pairs,” stated Deo.
Rs 5 lakh and 100gms of gold jewelry was stolen
Subsequently, Bisroop, Himanshu, and Aakash traveled to Haridwar on a motorcycle, while the Nepalese individuals returned to Nepal. Varsha and her husband, who are now fugitives, boarded an interstate bus.
DCP Deo mentioned that numerous raids were carried out, resulting in the arrest of Aakash, Basanti and Himanshu in Delhi and Haridwar. The police have managed to recover some cash and jewelry from their possession.
The family informed the police that they had approximately ₹4 to ₹5 lakh in cash along with 100 grams of gold jewelry inside their house.
