NEW DELHI: A 35-year-old man was arrested on Sunday for allegedly killing his friend’s seven-year-old daughter in northwest Delhi’s Swaroop Nagar.
Police said that the man, Ranjit, who was intoxicated, was alone with the child at his friend’s residence at the time of the incident. He was watching television.
When the girl repeatedly asked him for the remote, he became irritated and assaulted her, causing her to fall and bleed. Fearing she would reveal the incident, he allegedly strangled her to death. Cops have ruled out the sexual assault angle.
An officer said that they received a call regarding the murder, which took place in Swaroop Nagar on Sunday. The cops who reached the scene found the girl dead inside her bedroom, with visible injuries and blood around her neck.
Crime scene and forensic experts then examined the premises. Further investigation revealed that the man frequently visited the house and had unrestricted access.
“On the day of the murder, the suspect and the girl’s father consumed alcohol and then left the residence. After walking some distance, the friend returned to the house and began watching television. When the girl repeatedly asked for the remote, he assaulted her,” the officer said.
“The minor lost consciousness, and blood began to flow from her mouth. Fearing she would regain consciousness and alert others, Ranjit became panicked. He then used a nearby metal rod to inflict fatal injuries on her neck, causing significant blood loss. He wrapped the victim’s body in clothes and hid it under the bed. He then fled the scene, taking her father’s mobile phone, which was later recovered from his possession,” the officer added.
The deceased girl’s parents work as casual labourers, and she has a nine-year-old sister.
DCP (Outer North) Nidhin Valsan advised parents to avoid leaving young children unattended at home for extended periods. He emphasised the importance of educating children about personal safety and encouraging open communication. Additionally, he recommended installing security measures such as CCTV cameras and ensuring that doors remain locked when children are alone.
