Delhi: Smack smuggler murdered for affair with wife of associate

A 33-year-old man involved in smack trade was killed for an alleged affair with the wife of his associate. The victim, Arun Kumar, was attacked with blunt objects

A 33-year-old man involved in smack trade was killed for an alleged affair with the wife of his associate. The victim, Arun Kumar, was attacked with blunt objects allegedly by his partner, Babu Khan, and his two relatives in northwest Delhi’s Bhalswa Dairy. The murder took place in the presence of the 45-year-old woman on the intervening night of October 4 and 5, the police said.

The victim, Arun Kumar, was attacked allegedly by his partner, Babu Khan, and his two relatives in northwest Delhi’s Bhalswa Dairy. (HT FILE)

On Monday, the police arrested the two relatives - Rashid and Imran - while the prime accused is absconding. The involvement of Khan’s daughter is also being investigated as the police said she left with her father after the crime. The police believe that it was a planned murder executed by Khan and his relatives in the name of family honour.

A senior police officer said that Kumar, who was unmarried, lived with his family in Loni area and worked with Khan in the sale and supply of smack, a narcotic substance. According to police, Kumar frequently visited Khan’s home in Loni and soon he got close to Khan’s wife Zarina.

Around a fortnight ago, Kumar moved to a rented accommodation in Delhi’s Bhalswa Dairy where Zarina visited him regularly, the police said. On October 1, Zarina left home without informing anybody in her family and started living with Kumar in his rented house.

When Khan learnt about this, he allegedly decided to teach Kumar a lesson. He informed his daughter and son-in-law Rashid about Zarina’s step. The two relatives who have been arrested told the police that they felt Zarina had brought dishonour to their family. “Khan and his family members then planned to take revenge from Kumar,” the officer said.

On the night of October 4, Khan, along with Rashid and Imran, reached Kumar’s rented home where Zarina was already present in a Maruti Eeco car. They entered into an argument during which the three attacked Kumar with batons and other blunt objects. Kumar suffered severe head injuries and collapsed on the floor. The attackers fled the crime scene and took Zarina with them.

Neighbours rushed Kumar to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. A case of murder was registered at the Bhalswa Dairy police station.

Milind Mahadeo Dumbre, deputy commissioner (northwest) said, “Two persons have been already arrested. Teams have been constituted to nab the main accused. We have clues about his whereabouts. He will be caught soon.”