Delhi horror: Police widen probe, family of rape-murder accused under scanner

Crime and forensic teams of the Delhi Police on Friday recreated the crime scene in the rape and murder of a 22-year-old woman in south Delhi’s Kailash Hills, as investigators widened the probe to include the family of the accused, Rahul Meena.

Police said Meena’s father in Alwar and his uncle in Gurugram will be questioned about his alleged phone addiction, gambling habits, mounting debt of around ₹7 lakh, and his movements after the crime. Investigators are also planning a psychoanalysis test to assess his behaviour and mental state.

In a key breakthrough, police recovered the victim’s mobile phone, which Meena allegedly stole after the assault and later discarded near a park in East of Kailash.

According to investigators, the woman — the daughter of a civil servant — was alone at home on Wednesday morning when Meena allegedly entered the house using a spare keycard. He is accused of attacking her after she refused to give him money, sexually assaulting her, and fleeing the scene. The victim later succumbed to her injuries. Meena was arrested the same day from a hotel in Dwarka.

Hotel staff told police that the accused appeared calm and gave a false name while checking in. He reportedly paid in cash, ordered food and clothes online, and stayed in his room until a police team arrived later that afternoon.

Police said Meena hired a cab to Dwarka after the crime, switched off his personal phone, and attempted to evade detection. Officers are now mapping his escape route and examining how he entered and exited the building without being captured on multiple CCTV cameras.

A senior officer said the accused has at times shown no remorse during questioning. “He appeared composed and claimed he attacked the woman to repay his debt after she refused to help him,” the officer said, adding that a psychoanalysis test would help evaluate his mental condition.

Investigators have also recovered blood-stained clothes believed to belong to the accused, along with items taken from the victim’s family.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Police confirmed that Meena’s father and five others have been detained for questioning. They are expected to be handed over to Delhi Police for further investigation. Meena has been remanded to four days of police custody.