The discovery of a badly decomposed body in a field in Delhi’s Swaroop Nagar area has led to the apprehension of four people, including three juveniles, in an alleged rape and murder case involving a teenage girl.
According to Delhi Police, residents alerted authorities on September 13 after noticing a body in an open area near Kushak Road. Police officers who arrived at the location found remains in an advanced state of decomposition. Some parts had reportedly been disturbed by stray dogs, and one hand was found separated from the body.
The condition of the body created an immediate challenge for investigators. Police said the remains were so badly decomposed and mutilated that even the gender could not initially be established. Investigators subsequently worked to identify the deceased and determine how she had died.
The medical examination, according to police, confirmed sexual assault. Investigators also found injuries consistent with stabbing. Police subsequently identified the victim as a teenage girl and began reconstructing her movements before her death.
One of the significant developments was the discovery that the victim was allegedly known to the people suspected of involvement. Police said she had travelled in a tempo with the group on the day of the incident.
With no obvious eyewitness available, investigators began examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area. More than 50 cameras were reportedly checked. The footage helped investigators identify a tempo that had moved through the area during the relevant period.
The vehicle’s number was not immediately readable because the footage was recorded in darkness. Investigators followed its movement across multiple cameras until they were able to trace it to Khadda Colony.
Police then identified and questioned the tempo driver. According to investigators, questioning the driver provided information that helped them reach three other suspects.
Four people were eventually apprehended. Police identified the adult suspect as Shivam alias Sudama alias Chuchu and said the other three suspects were juveniles aged 16 and 17. The exact ages have been reported slightly differently by various news outlets, and the investigation is still underway.
Authorities said two knives allegedly used in the crime were recovered along with clothing allegedly worn by the suspects and the tempo believed to be connected with the case.
The family had not initially filed a missing-person report. Police said relatives told investigators that the girl sometimes left home and returned after a few days, which meant that her absence did not immediately trigger a missing-person investigation.
The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the BNS and POCSO Act. Investigators are now working to establish the precise timeline, verify forensic evidence and determine the individual role of each accused person.
The case demonstrates how investigators used CCTV footage and vehicle tracking after the initial discovery provided few immediate clues. Further findings will depend on forensic examination, questioning and other evidence collected during the investigation.