In a deeply disturbing case of violence rooted in personal betrayal and rage, a 24-year-old man has been arrested for the brutal murders of a young woman and a six-month-old baby girl in Delhi’s Majnu Ka Tilla area. The accused, Nikhil, a native of Haldwani in Uttarakhand, was captured by police following a coordinated multi-state manhunt.

The murders took place on Tuesday afternoon, when Nikhil allegedly entered the home of his former partner Sonal and killed her and the infant daughter of her friend. Authorities confirmed that the killings were carried out using a surgical blade. Following the crime, Nikhil fled the scene and attempted suicide before traveling across several cities in an attempt to escape capture. He was eventually apprehended at a relative’s residence in Haldwani on Wednesday morning.

A Turbulent Relationship and a Dark Past

Sonal and Nikhil’s relationship began in 2023 after they met at an event in Haldwani. Their connection developed quickly, and they moved in together shortly thereafter. Financial instability and an unexpected pregnancy led the couple into a desperate situation. Police investigations reveal that, despite initially seeking an abortion, Sonal gave birth to a child in early 2024. However, the couple later sold the baby to an unknown individual in Almora for Rs 2 lakh.

Using the money, they relocated to Delhi, initially settling in Wazirabad and later shifting to Majnu Ka Tilla. It was during this period that Sonal became acquainted with a local woman named Rashmi. Following frequent fights and episodes of alleged abuse by Nikhil, Sonal left him and moved into Rashmi’s residence.

Jealousy and Tensions Mount

According to sources within the police, Nikhil began to suspect Sonal of having an illicit relationship with Rashmi’s husband, Durgesh. “Nikhil discovered WhatsApp chats between the two and confronted Sonal on several occasions,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia.

Sonal became pregnant again during this period. While Nikhil reportedly wanted to keep the child and saw it as a chance to rebuild their relationship, Sonal chose to terminate the pregnancy without informing him. Nikhil later told police he believed she did so under Durgesh’s influence.

Sonal continued to live with Rashmi and her family for about three weeks leading up to the murders. Nikhil, though not staying with her, remained in communication and tried to persuade her to return to him.

The Day of the Double Murder

On the day of the incident, Rashmi and Durgesh had gone to collect their older daughter from school, leaving Sonal alone with their infant. Police said Nikhil seized this opportunity to enter the house. He brought a surgical blade and confronted Sonal, leading to a violent altercation. In a fit of rage, he allegedly slit Sonal’s throat and then turned to the infant.

“He put strips of tape on the mouths of the woman and the child to ensure that nobody heard their cries. He then slit the woman’s throat and beheaded the child,” the toddler’s uncle, Ravi, told PTI.

The accused fled the scene, leaving behind his mobile phone in an apparent attempt to avoid being tracked by authorities.

The Escape and Arrest

After the murder, Nikhil returned to his own residence, where he reportedly attempted suicide. When his attempt failed, he made his way to Old Delhi Railway Station and travelled to Bareilly before finally reaching Haldwani. There, he sought refuge in the house of a family acquaintance connected to his sister.

A police team tracked him to the location, but Nikhil initially managed to escape. He was eventually apprehended the following morning when he returned to the same house. During interrogation, Nikhil confessed to the murders.

According to police sources, he cleaned the murder weapon with water before fleeing and carried it with him to prevent the crime from being traced back. Investigators believe that his actions were driven by jealousy, betrayal, and unresolved anger over Sonal’s second pregnancy and abortion.

Family in Grief, Investigation Continues

Family members of the murdered woman were devastated upon hearing the news. “My mother has been inconsolable since she heard the news. We are devastated,” her brother told PTI. Sonal’s body was transported to her hometown of Nainital, while the infant was laid to rest in Delhi.

The case has sent shockwaves through the Majnu Ka Tilla locality, known for its close-knit community and relative peace. Authorities continue to investigate the broader circumstances surrounding the incident, including the sale of the couple’s first child and the relationships between those involved.

Deputy Commissioner Raja Banthia confirmed that the woman had previously lived with Nikhil in Khoda Colony before leaving due to ongoing disputes. “The woman experienced several issues and frequent arguments with Nikhil, leading her to leave him and stay with her friend,” he stated.

According to investigators, the murders were not spontaneous but premeditated, possibly triggered by a recent argument between Nikhil and Rashmi. The brutality of the crime and the attempt to destroy evidence have led to a thorough forensic and legal follow-up.