New Delhi: The Delhi Police investigating the gruesome murder of a 32-year-old UPSC aspirant in Gandhi Vihar, Timarpur, have recovered a hard disk containing obscene videos of more than 15 women, including the main accused. Police sources said forensic experts are now examining the footage to determine the identities of the women and verify whether the videos were recorded with their consent.
Hard disk reveals disturbing footage
An officer privy to the investigation said the deceased had allegedly recorded private videos of multiple women. “It appears that the deceased had done the same with several women and used to record their private videos on his laptop. While the laptop is still missing, the seized hard disk contains videos of over 15 women,” the officer said.
Investigators believe the content of the hard disk could shed light on a possible pattern of exploitation. The cyber forensics team has begun analysing the data to confirm whether the women were filmed consensually and whether the footage had been circulated.
Murder staged as accidental fire
The victim’s charred body was found inside his fourth-floor apartment on October 6. Police initially suspected accidental death caused by a fire, but later evidence pointed towards a carefully orchestrated murder.
His partner, a 21-year-old BSc forensic science student from Moradabad, allegedly discovered that he had secretly filmed obscene videos of her. When he refused to delete them despite repeated pleas, she reportedly plotted revenge with the help of her ex-boyfriend and another associate.
“She felt betrayed and humiliated when she confronted him, and he refused to delete the footage. That appears to have triggered the murder,” said a senior police officer.
The night of the murder
According to police, on the night of October 5, the woman, her ex-boyfriend—an LPG gas distributor—and another man visited the victim’s flat. The trio allegedly assaulted and strangled him using a mobile charger wire. To destroy evidence and mislead investigators, they then poured oil and alcohol over the body and set it on fire.
“They opened the gas regulator and ignited a lighter, creating the impression of an accidental fire. The cylinder was placed near the victim’s head. About an hour later, the cylinder exploded, completely burning the body,” the officer added.
Breakthrough from CCTV and phone data
The case took a decisive turn after the victim’s cousin expressed doubts about the circumstances surrounding his death. CCTV footage from the apartment complex showed two men and a woman entering the flat before the fire and the woman leaving shortly afterwards.
Technical surveillance and mobile phone tracking led police to Moradabad, where the accused were eventually traced. The main accused was arrested on October 18, followed by her ex-boyfriend on October 21 and their associate on October 23.
Police have also recovered a hard disk, a trolley bag, the victim’s shirt, and the mobile phones used during the crime.
Planned with forensic precision
Investigators believe the accused used her knowledge of forensic science and inspiration from crime dramas to plan the cover-up meticulously. “She appeared to have studied crime investigation patterns and took deliberate steps to make it look like an accident,” the officer said.
Sources said the accused used her ex-boyfriend’s access to LPG cylinders to create the illusion of an accidental gas explosion. The accused reportedly maintained contact with her accomplices throughout the night to ensure the plan’s execution.
Forensic probe underway
The Delhi Police forensic team is analysing samples collected from the scene, including traces of accelerants, burnt clothing, and electronic evidence. The viscera and FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) reports will determine the precise cause of death and confirm whether the victim was strangled before being set on fire.
Officers added that the investigation into the obscene videos may lead to further charges under the Information Technology Act if non-consensual filming or distribution is proven.
Investigation widens
As the investigation deepens, police are working to identify the women seen in the recovered videos. The findings could open new cases of privacy violation, sexual exploitation, and blackmail. “We are verifying whether the women were known to him personally and if any of them had previously complained about him,” said an investigator.
The disturbing revelations have added new dimensions to the case, indicating that the motive for the murder may have been rooted in a pattern of exploitation.