South Delhi Tragedy: Three Found Dead in Amar Colony Home Amid Suspected Gas Leak, Police Probe Underway

By Ronald Kapper
Published: July 6, 2025

New Delhi — In a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked residents of the Amar Colony area in South Delhi, three members of a family were found dead inside their home on Sunday morning. The initial suspicion points to a possible gas leak, though police say that all angles, including foul play, are being investigated.

The deceased have been identified as Satish Arora (52), a small business owner, his wife Rekha Arora (48), and their 20-year-old daughter Mansi Arora, a college student.

The bodies were discovered after neighbors reported a strong smell of gas and an unresponsive household to local authorities. The police were alerted around 8:30 AM and Delhi Fire Services were also rushed to the scene.

What We Know So Far

According to Delhi Police officials, preliminary observations indicated no signs of forced entry or external injuries, supporting the initial theory of accidental death due to a cooking gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning. However, forensic teams have sealed the site and taken samples for analysis.

“We have found a gas cylinder inside the kitchen, and it appears there may have been a leak. However, a conclusive statement will be made only after we receive the forensic and postmortem reports,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (South East), Rajesh Deo.

The house, located on a narrow street in the bustling Amar Colony market area, is part of an older residential block known for its congested setup and poor ventilation.

Neighbours Describe Shocking Morning Scene

Residents in the neighborhood were taken by surprise when they saw emergency teams swarm the street. A close neighbor, Mrs. Shalini Sethi, said the family was “well-liked and quiet,” and no one heard any unusual noises during the night.

“We noticed a strong smell when we stepped out in the morning. Their door was locked from the inside, and no one was answering. That’s when we called the police,” she said.

The local Resident Welfare Association (RWA) has urged all families in the colony to check their LPG and gas pipeline connections. An emergency inspection campaign has also been requested from Indane Gas and Bharat Gas distributors operating in the area.

Emergency Services and Technical Investigation

The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) confirmed that they had to break open the main door to access the apartment. The apartment’s LPG connection, likely installed years ago, is being examined for compliance with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) safety norms.

The DFS also mentioned that while there were traces of gas smell, the carbon monoxide levels in the apartment were unusually high, hinting at incomplete combustion or poor ventilation.

“We strongly suspect a buildup of carbon monoxide during the night, which can be fatal if unnoticed. There was no working exhaust or chimney fan in the kitchen,” said DFS Chief Atul Garg.

A Broader Urban Safety Concern

The tragedy has sparked a larger discussion around urban housing safety and ventilation norms, especially in older South Delhi neighborhoods where infrastructure is aged and often modified without proper permits.

Experts from National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) emphasize that gas leaks and carbon monoxide buildup are preventable hazards, often ignored in Indian homes.

“Most households lack carbon monoxide detectors. A simple exhaust fan and regular cylinder inspection could prevent such deaths,” said Dr. Anita Sharma, safety consultant with the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has reportedly begun planning a citywide inspection campaign for aging gas installations in collaboration with emergency services.

Ongoing Investigation and Postmortem Report Awaited

The bodies have been sent to AIIMS Delhi for autopsy. A report is expected within 48 hours. The local police have launched a case under Section 174 of the CrPC, which pertains to unnatural deaths, pending further findings.

Senior officers confirmed that CCTV footage from surrounding streets is being reviewed to completely rule out any external involvement. The family's mobile phones and digital communication have also been seized for investigation.

In the meantime, Delhi Police’s cyber cell and forensic teams are working jointly to provide a comprehensive timeline of events from Saturday evening onwards.

Support from Local Authorities and Helpline Activated

The Delhi Government’s Disaster Response Team has offered support to families living in the vicinity and has activated a local safety helpline for gas safety checks: 011-2345-6789.

Local MLA Praveen Kumar visited the site and has promised a compensation package and installation of safety alarms in 200+ households in Amar Colony under a new pilot project.

Conclusion

While the cause of the South Delhi tragedy remains under investigation, the harrowing discovery of three lifeless bodies in their own home is a painful reminder that urban safety lapses can be fatal. It has spurred calls for greater household vigilance, routine checks on gas appliances, and better awareness about invisible killers like carbon monoxide.

Until definitive answers emerge, residents across Delhi are being urged to audit their own kitchen and ventilation setups to avoid similar heartbreak.