Published: November 14, 2025, 7:17 PM IST

New Delhi: A 31-year-old man allegedly killed one tenant and injured another in a shocking incident linked to suspicions of phone hacking and the theft of rare coins, police reported on Friday. The accused, identified as Irshad, was apprehended on November 11 following a multi-city search that spanned Delhi and parts of Uttar Pradesh.

According to police, the incident came to light on November 9 when one of the victims, identified as Tamanney, arrived at the Subhash Place police station with two acquaintances, reporting that he had been brutally assaulted by his landlord. Soon after filing the complaint, Tamanney began losing consciousness and was rushed to Bhagwan Mahavir Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Investigations revealed that he worked at a factory on Lawrence Road and lived in Shakurpur.

Police officials said that the second victim, Virender, and Tamanney were confined and assaulted by Irshad over a period of two days—Wednesday and Thursday—due to suspicions that they were attempting to hack his phone to erase evidence linked to a robbery at his Wazirpur factory. Additionally, the accused believed the victims had stolen rare coins from his personal collection.

The assault reportedly involved severe physical violence, including kicks, punches, and repeated strikes with a belt. During the attack, Irshad, who is known to be addicted to using Termin injection vials for gym workouts, allegedly administered one of these injections on himself. The second victim, Virender, fled to his native village in Bihar out of fear, while Tamanney sought medical treatment over the next two days at multiple clinics after suffering abdominal pain. A subsequent ultrasound revealed heavy internal bleeding, prompting him to report the crime to police.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Bhisham Singh confirmed that a coordinated investigation was launched across Delhi and in several locations in Uttar Pradesh, including Etah, Kasganj, and Aligarh, to apprehend the accused. Acting on a tip-off, police arrested Irshad from Rohini on November 11. During interrogation, Irshad admitted to assaulting both victims, citing suspicions that they had tried to hack his phone and steal coins.

Police recovered several items from the scene and from Irshad, including a belt allegedly used in the assault, a rope used to tie the victims, a Termin injection vial, and the deceased’s mobile phone. The accused has a prior record, having been involved earlier this year in a case related to causing hurt and wrongful restraint in Subhash Place.

A case has been registered under Section 103(1) (Murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigations are ongoing. Authorities are probing the circumstances leading to the assault, including the alleged phone hacking and theft of coins, to determine if additional charges are warranted.

The incident has raised concerns about tenant safety and the potential dangers posed by landlords with personal grievances. Legal experts said that the case underscores the importance of timely reporting of threats and the need for swift police intervention to prevent escalation of violence in domestic disputes.

This case is notable not only for the extreme nature of the assault but also for the unusual context involving alleged digital intrusion and rare coin theft, which combined with physical violence, ultimately led to the death of a young man and injury to another.

Police have urged anyone with additional information related to the incident to come forward as investigations continue. The Delhi Police are also reviewing the accused’s past behavior and any connections to other criminal activities to ensure a comprehensive probe.

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