Investigation – Delhi University Professor Murder Case Reveals Detailed Planning
Investigation – A murder investigation involving a Delhi University faculty member has uncovered evidence suggesting that the crime may have been carefully planned over several months, according to findings shared by police officials.
The case relates to the death of Devosmita Paul, an assistant professor who was found dead at her apartment in East Delhi’s Vasundhara Enclave on June 4. Police later arrested Ramprashad Das, 42, his wife Banashree Das, 36, and also took their minor son into custody in connection with the incident. Investigators now believe the accused had surveyed the area on multiple occasions before the crime took place.
Police Probe Suggests Prior Visits to Residential Complex
According to investigators, Ramprashad Das, a resident of Bardhaman district in West Bengal and owner of a sanitary goods business, frequently visited Delhi to purchase supplies from Karol Bagh. During trips made earlier this year, he allegedly visited the housing complex where Paul lived and familiarized himself with the building layout.
Police officials stated that visits in January and March helped the accused understand access points within the society, identify the victim’s floor and assess possible exit routes. These findings emerged during questioning and examination of evidence gathered during the investigation.
Property Disagreement Emerges as Key Motive
Investigators believe a long-running disagreement over ancestral property in Bardhaman may have played a central role in the crime. Police said Ramprashad had been renting a portion of Paul’s family property since 2023. Initially occupying the first floor, he later expanded his tenancy by renting the ground floor for business operations.
The total monthly rent reportedly stood at ₹11,500. During questioning, Ramprashad allegedly claimed that he had spent around ₹1.5 lakh on improvements and repairs to the property and wanted to purchase it. However, Paul had reportedly declined his proposals and instead asked him to vacate the premises.
Police said discussions between the two continued for months, with the accused repeatedly requesting either ownership of the property or permission to continue residing there. The victim reportedly maintained her decision and planned to visit Bardhaman later in June to address tenancy-related matters.
Events Leading Up to the Crime
Investigators said Ramprashad contacted Paul through WhatsApp on June 1 before travelling to Delhi with his wife and son on June 3.
After arriving in the capital, the family checked into a guest house in the Dallupura area. Police allege that they later changed clothes, checked out and went to the victim’s residence. During a discussion regarding the property matter, an argument allegedly escalated.
According to police, Ramprashad attacked Paul using a heavy household object after she again rejected his request to sell the property. Investigators further alleged that his wife participated in the assault. Authorities say the family subsequently changed clothes and left the area.
Alleged Efforts to Avoid Detection
The investigation suggests that the accused attempted to conceal their movements after leaving the crime scene. Police said the family travelled toward railway stations using different modes of transport and altered their route to make tracking more difficult.
Officials stated that despite having reserved train tickets, they allegedly boarded a different coach and changed clothing again during their journey. After reaching Bardhaman, they reportedly avoided crowded routes and returned home using a scooter that had been parked before their departure for Delhi.
CCTV Footage and Bengal Connection Help Crack Case
Police said surveillance footage played a crucial role in identifying the suspects. Investigators followed several leads pointing toward West Bengal and worked closely with state police authorities.
A major breakthrough reportedly came after officers traced the scooter allegedly used by the accused following their return from Delhi. This helped investigators establish their movements and eventually led to their arrest.
Additional Allegations Surface During Investigation
During searches conducted after the arrests, police recovered several items that raised further questions about Ramprashad’s activities. Investigators alleged that he was involved in informal money lending and sometimes retained original identification documents from borrowers.
Authorities also claimed that he used false identities for obtaining mobile phone connections. During a hotel stay in Delhi, he allegedly submitted identification documents belonging to other individuals.
Searches reportedly led to the recovery of suspicious materials, including forged identity-related items and various personal belongings. Police further alleged that Ramprashad admitted to involvement in thefts on train journeys over a number of years, claiming he had taken valuables from passengers without being caught previously.