The Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested a former caretaker in connection with the brutal murder of an elderly couple and the theft of their jewellery in Shahdara, East Delhi. The arrest followed a nearly 500-kilometre pursuit that ended in Rajasthan, officials said.

The accused, identified as Ashok Kumar Sen, a resident of Nangloi, had allegedly planned the crime meticulously, leaving little to no evidence behind, making it initially appear as a “perfect” murder. The victims were identified as 71-year-old Virendra Kumar Bansal and his 65-year-old wife, Parvesh Bansal.

Crime Discovery and Initial Investigation

The case came to light on the early hours of January 4 when a PCR call reported that the couple was lying unconscious at their home. Police rushed to the scene, finding Parvesh on a bed near the outer gate, while Virendra was discovered in another room with blood oozing from his mouth and nose, bruises around both eyes, and a mark resembling a nail wound on his head. Both were declared dead at the hospital.

Joint Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma said multiple teams were formed immediately due to the severity of the crime. “The crime scene suggested careful planning. The perpetrator had covered himself completely, worn gloves, and ensured no physical or forensic evidence was left behind,” he explained. CCTV footage showed the suspect entering and exiting only through blind spots, complicating identification.

Investigation and Breakthrough

Investigators scoured dozens of CCTV feeds, questioned relatives, neighbors, and anyone linked to the couple, and analysed call records of more than 50 mobile numbers. Area-dump data and dossiers of over 300 criminals with similar methods were also reviewed.

During questioning, police learned that the couple had employed caretakers in the past. One former caretaker was thoroughly examined but cleared of suspicion. Attention then shifted to the second caretaker, Sen, whose wife claimed he was on a pilgrimage to the Khatu Shyam temple without his phone. Suspicious, police visited his Nangloi residence and obtained a photograph, comparing it to the suspect seen in CCTV footage. Physical and movement similarities reinforced their suspicions.

Further investigation revealed that Sen had recently contacted his wife using a relative’s mobile phone, which was traced to Tapiplya village in Sikar, Rajasthan. A joint Delhi Police team arrested him there.

Confession and Recovery of Stolen Items

During sustained interrogation, Sen allegedly confessed to the crime. Police recovered the looted gold jewellery, including a chain, mangalsutra, two bangles, a ring, and a chain locket, at his instance.

Officials said Sen planned the robbery to make quick money, exploiting his familiarity with the household. He had shifted his residence days prior to the crime to avoid suspicion and studied the building to identify CCTV blind spots. He deliberately left his mobile phone at home to avoid leaving a technical trail.

Sen also knew that the couple’s son was not always at home and took advantage of his absence to execute the crime before fleeing to a relative’s residence in Rajasthan.

Ongoing Investigation

Further investigation is underway to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine whether Sen had any accomplices or outside assistance. Police continue to examine all angles to ensure complete accountability for the double murder.

The case highlights both the meticulous planning that went into the crime and the investigative rigor of Delhi Police in tracking and apprehending the accused across state lines.