Delhi’s Triple Tragedy: Man Arrested After Brutal Murder of Former Partner and Infant Child

In a disturbing and tragic turn of events, Delhi police have arrested a 28-year-old man for the alleged double murder of his former live-in partner and her 8-month-old infant. The crime, committed out of what authorities describe as a twisted sense of revenge and control, has shaken the national capital, spotlighting a deadly combination of domestic violence, abortion-related trauma, and unresolved emotional exploitation.

This incident forms the latest case in a troubling "triple crime wave" reported across the city in recent weeks—adding to rising public concerns over the safety of women, especially those navigating vulnerable domestic relationships in urban India.

The Crime: A Calculated Act of Revenge

According to Delhi Police, the accused, identified as Sahil (name changed), was arrested from his residence in the Laxmi Nagar area after forensic leads and CCTV footage placed him near the scene of the crime on the day the victims were found dead.

The bodies of the woman, aged 24, and her infant son, were discovered in her rented East Delhi flat. Preliminary autopsy reports suggest both were strangled to death, and there were no signs of forced entry—indicating the attacker was known to the victim.

During initial interrogation, Sahil reportedly confessed that he killed his ex-partner out of “revenge” over what he termed as betrayal and emotional abandonment. Police sources indicate that the woman had undergone an abortion during their time together, which Sahil allegedly did not consent to—a decision that became a point of long-standing resentment and triggered escalating harassment in the months leading to the murder.

A Relationship Marred by Control and Psychological Abuse

Family members and neighbors interviewed by investigators revealed a complex relationship between the accused and the victim. They had been in a live-in relationship for over two years before separating in early 2025. During their time together, the victim is said to have experienced multiple episodes of verbal and psychological abuse.

According to the victim’s family, Sahil routinely controlled her social interactions, finances, and even her decisions around reproductive health. The abortion—which was reportedly carried out in early 2024—became a point of emotional blackmail. He allegedly accused her of “killing his child” and continued to harass her even after the relationship ended.

The infant boy—born to the woman months after the separation—was not biologically related to Sahil, police confirmed, but investigators believe he may have suspected otherwise or seen the child as a symbol of betrayal.

Legal Action and Police Statement

Delhi Police have registered a case under Sections 302 (murder), 354-D (stalking), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. The accused is currently in police custody, and further charges under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act are also being considered.

Addressing the media, a senior official from the East Delhi Crime Branch stated:

"This was not a crime of passion but a calculated act. The accused had been tracking the victim for weeks. He exploited her trust and used past emotional history to gain access to her apartment before committing the murders."

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing digital records, past complaint logs, and psychiatric evaluations to determine the full extent of Sahil's actions and motivations.

Larger Context: A Surge in Gender-Based Violence

This tragic case is not an isolated event. In the last two months, Delhi has witnessed a disturbing rise in gender-based violent crimes:

• A similar case in Rohini involved a woman being stabbed by her estranged husband in front of her child.

• In another instance, a college student was found dead in a PG accommodation after alleged abuse by her boyfriend, who has since gone missing.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Delhi consistently ranks among the top metros for crimes against women, including domestic violence, stalking, and intimate partner abuse. Despite increased awareness and reporting, conviction rates remain low—raising concerns about deterrence and access to justice.

Abortion Stigma and Mental Health: The Hidden Underbelly

What makes this case particularly alarming is the intersection of abortion stigma, male entitlement, and mental health neglect.

The accused’s reaction to the abortion—and his inability to process it—reflect broader social taboos around reproductive autonomy. In many parts of India, even educated urban men struggle to accept a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body. This cultural context, mixed with personal insecurity and unchecked emotional trauma, can manifest in destructive behavior.

Experts also point out that male-centric mental health support systems are severely lacking, especially when relationships break down. Without intervention or therapy, unresolved anger often turns violent.

Public Reaction and Political Commentary

As news of the arrest spread, Delhi residents and civil society groups took to public forums and social media to express outrage and call for justice. Many demanded stricter implementation of laws related to domestic violence and increased awareness campaigns around consent, mental health, and post-abortion counseling.

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal commented:

"This is not just a legal failure, but a societal one. Women continue to pay the price for men’s inability to handle rejection and responsibility."

Conclusion: Justice Must Go Beyond Arrest

While the swift arrest in this case brings a degree of closure, the deeper issues remain unresolved—India’s struggle with patriarchy, the lack of gender-sensitive mental health care, and inadequate support for women trying to escape abusive relationships.

As Delhi reels from this triple tragedy, it serves as a painful reminder that legal justice must be accompanied by societal reform, education, and real-time intervention mechanisms to prevent such horrors from recurring.