Delhi University professor murder solved in 3 days! Bengal couple arrested over property dispute

The victim, Debosmita Paul, an assistant professor at Shivaji College, was found dead in her apartment at Satyam Apartments in East Delhi's Vasundhara Enclave on Wednesday.

Following an intensive investigation involving multiple police teams and raids across several states, the accused were traced to Bardhaman and taken into custody.

Killers allegedly entered flat as guests

According to investigators, the accused were tenants in a property owned by the victim in West Bengal and had travelled to Delhi under the pretext of meeting her.

Police said CCTV footage showed the couple arriving at the residential complex wearing masks and carrying bags. To avoid drawing attention, they allegedly used the staircase instead of the lift to reach the sixth-floor apartment.

The couple had also brought their child with them, which investigators believe helped them avoid suspicion.

Officials said the accused gained entry to the flat on friendly terms before allegedly attacking Paul with a weapon they had brought along.

CCTV footage and cab trail key to probe

According to NDTV's sources, the accused returned to the building around 30 minutes later after changing clothes and then left in a waiting cab.

Investigators detained the cab driver and examined ride records, which proved crucial in identifying the suspects.

Police reviewed footage and visitor records from the housing complex, shortlisting 13 suspects from nearly 200 people who had entered the premises on the day of the murder.

Seven police teams were deployed and conducted searches across four states while questioning hundreds of individuals before finally tracking down the accused in Bardhaman.

Property worth crores at centre of dispute

Investigators said the motive appears to be linked to a high-value property in West Bengal that Paul inherited after her maternal grandfather's death.

The accused were reportedly tenants in the property and had allegedly been attempting to gain ownership of it. Police said the professor had been pressuring them to vacate the premises, leading to tensions.

Officials believe the couple plotted the murder in an attempt to secure control of the property, which is estimated to be worth several crores of rupees.

Sister discovered body after calls went unanswered

The crime came to light on Thursday when the victim's sister, Devarati Paul, alerted police after repeatedly failing to contact her.

According to investigators, the apartment was locked from the outside. Concerned by the lack of response, Devarati broke into the flat and found her sister's body inside.

Police said the professor had suffered a severe head injury and cuts to veins in her wrist.

Robbery ruled out

Investigators found no signs of theft inside the apartment. Jewellery, cash and other valuables were recovered untouched, strengthening the theory that the murder was motivated by the property dispute rather than robbery.

A case of murder was registered, and the accused are currently being interrogated as police continue to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the killing.

Officials said further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.