In a chilling case of suspected revenge killing, a 52-year-old woman was shot dead by bike-borne assailants in Shalimar Bagh, northwest Delhi, on Saturday—less than three years after her husband was murdered in a similar manner.

The victim, Rachna, was the wife of history-sheeter Bijender Yadav, who was shot dead in May 2023 in Bhalswa village. Police suspect that one of the attackers involved in Rachna’s killing may also have been linked to her husband’s murder.

Shot at point-blank range

According to family members, Rachna had returned home after attending the last rites of a neighbour and had stopped at a roadside shack near her house to wash her hands and feet when the attackers struck. The shooters, who were lying in wait, fired at her from close range, killing her on the spot.

Police received a PCR call around 11 am and rushed to the scene. An empty cartridge was recovered, and forensic and crime teams were deployed to examine the area.

Witness turned target

Rachna was a key witness in her husband’s murder case. Her elder daughter Kanika said her mother had been followed and threatened about a year-and-a-half ago while travelling to court, after which she began attending hearings through video conferencing.

“Some of the accused in my father’s murder are lodged in Tihar Jail. Despite that, such crimes are still happening. This is shocking,” Kanika said.

Link to earlier rivalry suspected

Bijender Yadav, a property dealer, had at least nine criminal cases against him, including murder and offences under the Arms Act. He was allegedly killed by rivals. The family also claimed that unidentified men had opened fire at their office months after his murder to intimidate them.

Police believe absconding accused Bharat Yadav may be behind Rachna’s killing as well. CCTV footage has captured a masked man near the crime scene.

Manhunt underway

Around a dozen police teams have been formed, and raids are being conducted in Haryana and outer Delhi. CCTV footage from the victim’s residence and nearby areas is being analysed to trace the attackers’ movements.