Delhi Police arrested a 37-year-old man following a shootout after he was accused of murdering a 3-year-old girl and dumping her body in a drain.

Key Takeaways

  • A 3-year-old girl's body was recovered from a drain in South West Delhi on July 15.
  • The accused, Chandan Kumar, was arrested after a brief encounter with the police.
  • The suspect is a local tailor who reportedly confessed to the crime.
  • Police recovered a country-made pistol and ammunition from the suspect.

New Delhi: In a chilling development that has sent shockwaves through the capital, Delhi Police have arrested a 37-year-old man in connection with the brutal murder of a three-year-old girl. The arrest came on Thursday following a high-stakes encounter where the accused attempted to evade custody by opening fire on the police team. The victim's body had been discovered in a drain in South West Delhi earlier this week.

The Encounter and Arrest

According to senior police officials, the accused, identified as Chandan Kumar, was cornered during a raid on his hideout. When the police attempted to apprehend him, Kumar opened fire, prompting the officers to return fire in self-defense. One bullet struck the suspect in his left leg, allowing the police to overpower him. A country-made pistol and a live cartridge were recovered from his possession. The accused, who works as a tailor, was immediately shifted to a hospital for medical treatment under police guard.

Timeline of the Crime

The investigation traces back to July 10, when the child was reported missing. The grim discovery was made in the early hours of July 15, when her body was found discarded in a drain. DCP Amit Goel stated that forensic experts and a Crime Branch team meticulously examined the site. The post-mortem examination provided crucial evidence, confirming that the child had been murdered prior to being dumped in the drain. The breakthrough in the case came through the strategic analysis of CCTV footage, which highlighted the suspicious movements of Chandan Kumar.

Motive Under Investigation

While the accused has allegedly confessed to the crime, the motive remains shrouded in mystery. Investigations are currently focused on establishing whether the murder was premeditated or driven by a specific grievance. The suspect is a native of Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, where his family resides. The police have registered a case under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and are conducting a thorough probe to ensure all legal aspects are addressed to bring justice to the victim's family.