Crime Investigation – Delhi University Professor Murder Probe Intensifies
Crime Investigation – A day after a Delhi University professor was discovered dead inside her apartment in East Delhi’s Vasundhara Enclave, investigators have focused their attention on four individuals whose identities are yet to be confirmed. Authorities are examining their possible connection to the killing as the probe gathers pace.
Sister Alerted Police After Finding Body
The incident came to light on Thursday afternoon when the victim’s sister contacted the police. According to officials, a PCR call was received at approximately 2:35 pm informing authorities that 42-year-old Devosmita Paul had been found dead inside her residence at Satyam Apartment.
Her sister, Devarati Paul, told investigators that repeated attempts to contact Devosmita had failed throughout the day. She became concerned after noticing that the apartment remained locked from the outside since morning. After gaining access to the flat, she discovered her sister’s body and immediately informed the police. The victim was reportedly living alone at the residence.
Forensic Examination Conducted at Scene
Following the report, police teams and forensic experts inspected the apartment in detail. Evidence and samples were collected after extensive photography and videography of the crime scene. A murder case was subsequently registered at New Ashok Nagar Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Investigators observed injuries on the victim’s head, leading them to believe that a heavy object may have been used during the attack. The body was later shifted to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital for postmortem examination and preservation. Several police teams have been assigned to identify and apprehend those responsible.
No Signs of Forced Entry Raise Questions
Preliminary findings indicate that Devosmita Paul had been living separately from her husband, who currently resides in Bengaluru. Police have not found any evidence suggesting forced entry into the apartment, prompting suspicion that the victim may have been acquainted with the person or persons involved.
Investigators have also ruled out robbery as an immediate motive because household belongings appeared undisturbed and there were no visible signs of theft or ransacking inside the flat.
Timeline Points to Wednesday Afternoon
Sources associated with the investigation believe the crime may have occurred between 1 pm and 6 pm on Wednesday. The professor reportedly spoke with her mother around 1 pm that day. Later, when her domestic helper arrived at the apartment around 6 pm, there was no response from inside despite repeated attempts to contact her.
Based on this sequence of events, investigators suspect that the murder had already taken place before the house help’s arrival.
CCTV Footage Provides Important Leads
Review of surveillance footage from the residential complex has become a crucial part of the investigation. According to sources, cameras captured two individuals wearing masks entering the apartment building on the day of the incident. The pair allegedly remained inside for around 30 minutes before leaving.
Police also traced a cab seen entering the housing complex around the same period. The footage reportedly shows two masked passengers carrying a bag as they exited the vehicle and used the staircase instead of the elevator to reach the apartment. The driver remained inside the cab while they were away.
Approximately half an hour later, the same individuals were seen returning and leaving the premises in the same vehicle. Investigators subsequently identified the cab through its registration details and have questioned the driver regarding the movements of the passengers.
Focus Narrows to Four Unidentified Individuals
During a broader review of surveillance recordings, police initially examined nearly 200 people who entered or exited the residential society around the suspected time of the crime. The list was later reduced to 13 individuals considered relevant to the investigation.
Officials have since identified nine of them, while four remain unknown. Among the unidentified persons are a masked man and woman who attracted particular attention from investigators. Police are also examining records of several cab drivers who visited the complex during the relevant period and are continuing efforts to establish the sequence of events surrounding the professor’s death.