Delhi man held after stabbing wife 35 times, injuring son who tried to save her

A 43-year-old man allegedly stabbed his wife to death on Wednesday, suspecting her of infidelity, and also injured their son who tried to save his mother, police said.

Police said the accused, identified as Vinod Bisht, was arrested in the evening from close to his flat in the capital’s Dilshad Garden.

Bisht stabbed his wife, Rekha (36), more than 35 times following an argument. They were married for 16 years.

Delhi is among the states with a high rate of crime against women, including those classified by police as cruelty by husband and in-laws besides dowry deaths and sexual assaults.

Police said the couple’s elder son, 15-year-old Vineet, is admitted to a government hospital with cuts in his hands. His brother, Sanchit (7), was at their maternal grandparents’ home when the incident happened.

A medical examination showed at least 11 major knife wounds, besides several other injuries. She died on the spot, police said.

A police officer said a preliminary probe revealed that Bisht, employed with a private catering company, suspected his wife of having an extra-marital affair.

Sources said the accused had allegedly seen some messages on his wife’s mobile phone which roused his suspicion. In April, he had allegedly heard her speaking to another man over phone. Since then, the couple had several arguments.

Nupur Prasad, deputy commissioner of police (Shahdara), said Bisht was carrying the knife in a bag when he returned home on Wednesday at around 5.30 am.

He allegedly locked the door of his brother’s flat, which is in the same building, before attacking Rekha, she said.

“Vineet tried to stop his father...But Bisht slashed his hand and arm,” an investigator said. As Vineet began screaming for help, Bisht panicked and fled. Vineet unlocked his uncle’s flat and alerted neighbours.

The family hails from Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand.