In a chilling case that exposes the volatile undercurrents within a troubled relationship, a 44-year-old woman was killed in southwest Delhi’s Chhawla area after a drunken altercation with her live-in partner. The accused, identified as 35-year-old Virendra, allegedly pressed his elbow on her neck with enough force to kill her, and later attempted—unsuccessfully—to dispose of her body. His extreme intoxication, however, halted the plan midway: he returned home, left the body inside the car parked outside, and fell asleep inside the house.

The crime came to light the next morning when a neighbour spotted the woman’s body lying motionless inside the vehicle and alerted the police. Officers found Virendra passed out in the house, unaware—or indifferent—to the grim scene that awaited discovery outside.

A Relationship Fraught With Tension

According to police officials, Virendra, a married man with children, had been living with the deceased woman for nearly two years. The couple reportedly shared a tumultuous relationship, amplified by frequent arguments, alcohol consumption and lingering conflicts over money.

The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, previously owned a house in Palam. The couple sold the property earlier this year, and with the proceeds, Virendra purchased a three-storey home in Chhawla under his own name. The transaction became a recurring source of tension, police said, because the woman believed she had been left with little control over the finances.

Senior officers stated that after the sale of the Palam property, an additional ₹21 lakh remained with Virendra. This amount, they noted, became a regular trigger for disputes, with the deceased often accusing him of mismanaging or misappropriating the funds. Relatives and neighbours have indicated that the couple’s arguments over money were loud and frequent.

The Night of the Crime

Investigators have pieced together the events of the night between November 25 and 26. Virendra and the woman had been drinking heavily at home when yet another argument broke out. The quarrel quickly escalated, and in what officers describe as a violent fit of rage, Virendra allegedly pinned the woman to the bed and pressed his elbow against her neck, cutting off her airflow.

Police believe she died within minutes.

Realising what he had done, Virendra reportedly panicked. Instead of contacting authorities or seeking medical help, he called two friends—a man and a woman—who are now wanted by police. The pair allegedly came to the home and assisted Virendra in moving the woman’s body from the bedroom, down the stairs, and into the car parked outside.

According to investigators, all three appeared to be intoxicated at the time.

After his associates left, Virendra got into the driver’s seat, apparently intending to transport the body to a different location for disposal. But he could not get far. Police say he managed to drive only about 100 metres before losing control due to his extreme drunkenness. He turned the vehicle around, parked it near the residence, and stumbled back into the house.

Once inside, he reportedly resumed drinking before eventually collapsing into sleep—unaware that the body left in the vehicle would be discovered the next morning.

The Discovery

Around 9 a.m. on November 26, a neighbour walking past the house noticed something unusual inside Virendra’s car. At first glance, the neighbour believed the couple—often assumed to be married—had simply left something inside the vehicle. But upon taking a closer look, the neighbour realised the unmoving body was that of the woman and called the police.

Responding officers arrived promptly and found the vehicle parked near the residence, with the woman’s body still inside. They proceeded to the house, where they discovered Virendra asleep. He showed signs of heavy intoxication and appeared disoriented when officers woke him.

He was taken into custody on the spot.

The body was sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death, though preliminary findings support the police’s suspicion of throttling.

Investigation Expands to Include Accomplices

While Virendra has been arrested and booked for murder, the police are now searching for his two associates who allegedly helped him move the body. Their involvement, if confirmed, could lead to charges related to destruction of evidence, helping an offender escape legal punishment, and other offences.

Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the neighbourhood, tracking phone records, and interviewing residents who may have seen the individuals enter or leave the house that night. Officers believe that both associates were aware of the crime but chose to assist in concealing the body instead of reporting the murder.

A senior police official stated that their actions appear to be part of an “after-the-fact cover-up”, which could attract serious legal consequences.

A Case Reflecting Deep Social Complexities

The incident underscores the hidden dangers of domestic conflicts that escalate unchecked. The couple’s relationship, marked by financial strain, emotional instability, and substance abuse, had created a volatile environment long before the night of the murder.

Neighbours described the pair as often engaged in heated arguments, though no prior police complaints appear to have been filed. Officers believe the combination of alcohol and longstanding resentments played a major role in triggering the fatal confrontation.

The tragedy also highlights the urgent need for awareness around domestic violence, particularly in live-in relationships that may not receive the same social scrutiny or family intervention as traditional marriages.

Legal Proceedings Underway

Police say Virendra will be subjected to further interrogation as the investigation progresses. Authorities are awaiting forensic reports and are scrutinising the timeline of events to ensure all aspects of the case are documented thoroughly.

The search for the two associates continues.

Officers have emphasised that the case presents a clear example of how alcohol abuse, financial disputes, and emotional instability can culminate in deadly violence—especially when there are no support systems in place to defuse tensions or intervene early.