Man strangles wife over Instagram reels, attempts suicide

By Sagaya Fernando | September 2, 2025

New Delhi, INDIA: A 30-year-old woman was allegedly strangled to death by her husband in southwest Delhi’s Najafgarh area early on Tuesday September 2, following repeated quarrels over her social media activity.

The victim, Rajni, was active on Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat, and had around 6,000 followers on Instagram. Her husband, Aman, 32, an e-rickshaw driver, reportedly disapproved of her interest in creating reels, leading to frequent arguments over the past year.

Police said that at around 4:23 am, a PCR call alerted Najafgarh police station about the murder. When a team reached the rented accommodation in Old Roshanpura, they found Rajni had been strangled. Aman was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan but was rescued in time.

“He had also consumed poison before attempting to hang himself. His condition remains critical and his statement is yet to be recorded,” a senior police officer said.

The couple, originally from Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit, had been living in Najafgarh since April this year. They are survived by two sons, aged nine and five.

Family members and neighbours told police that frequent disputes over Rajni’s social media presence strained the marriage. “Prima facie, it appears Aman strangled his wife in her sleep after another argument late Monday night,” the officer added.

Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Rajni’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination.