A 36-year-old autorickshaw driver has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife with a hammer following a domestic dispute in northeast Delhi’s Gautampuri area, police said on Thursday.
The victim, identified as Rajda, was found dead inside her residence after police responded to an alert from a friend of the accused. According to investigators, the accused, Daud Ishaq Khan, contacted the friend after the incident and claimed that his wife had become unconscious. He allegedly fled the scene before authorities arrived.
Police personnel from Seelampur Police Station discovered Rajda lying in a pool of blood with severe head injuries. She was declared dead at the scene, and her body was later sent to Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the couple had a history of frequent arguments over family-related matters. Police said Rajda was Daud’s second wife, while his first wife lives in Pune. Tensions reportedly arose due to visits by children from his first marriage.
According to police, an argument broke out between the couple on the night of the incident and escalated into violence. During the altercation, Daud allegedly attacked Rajda with a hammer, inflicting fatal injuries.
A case of murder has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Following a search operation, police traced and arrested the accused and recovered a mini hammer believed to have been used in the crime. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances leading to the incident.
The case has once again highlighted concerns over domestic violence, following several similar incidents reported in Delhi in recent months. Earlier this year, a woman was allegedly beaten to death by her husband in Sonia Vihar over financial disputes, while Delhi Police SWAT commando Kajal Chaudhary died after reportedly being attacked by her husband in Mohan Garden. Police said further investigation is underway.
