Seven-year-old girl killed by father's friend; accused held

By Sagaya Fernando | April 04, 2025

 

New Delhi, India:  A 35-year-old man has been arrested in Delhi the national capital of India for allegedly murdering a seven-year-old girl, the daughter of his close friend, in a moment of drunken rage. The tragic incident occurred in the Swaroop Nagar locality of Northwest Delhi on March 30.

According to Delhi Police, the suspect, identified as Ranjeet Singh, a daily-wage labourer, allegedly attacked the child after she attempted to take a television remote from him while they were alone at home. Singh reportedly slapped the girl in frustration, causing her to fall off the couch and sustain injuries. Fearing the consequences of his actions, he then allegedly strangled the unconscious child to death.

The child had been left alone with Singh after he and her father had consumed alcohol together earlier in the day. While the father stayed behind, Singh returned alone to the residence where the girl was watching television and playing on her father's mobile phone.

Police were alerted to the incident when a PCR call was received about a suspected murder in Swaroop Nagar. A local police team responded and found the young girl lying unresponsive in a pool of blood inside her home. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Forensic and crime teams examined the scene, and initial findings indicated no signs of sexual assault. However, the girl’s body was preserved for a full autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.

Investigators identified the suspect based on local intelligence and CCTV footage showing two individuals leaving the area around the time of the crime. Singh, who had no prior criminal record, was traced and apprehended during a raid in the Narela Industrial Area using his mobile phone location.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer North) Nidhin Valsan, Singh was a familiar face in the neighbourhood and frequently visited the victim's household. Neighbours reportedly did not raise any suspicions when he left the house after the alleged incident, given his regular presence there.

The girl’s parents, both casual labourers, are being questioned as part of the on-going investigation. The victim is survived by her nine-year-old sister.

This incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger child protection mechanisms in urban settlements where children are often left unattended due to economic hardship.