Delhi woman dies after falling off from NDMC Flats, family alleges murder: Husband ‘tortured her’, demanded ₹20 lakh

Delhi Woman Dies After Falling From NDMC Flats: Family Alleges Murder, Husband Told to Demand ₹20 Lakh

Incident Overview

Theindiapostdaily.com – A 28-year-old woman from Delhi, Akriti, died after falling from the third floor of an NDMC residential complex in Lodhi Colony on Sunday. The tragedy has sparked intense speculation and allegations of foul play, with her family asserting that the incident was not an accident but a calculated act of murder. According to reports, the flat where the accident occurred is approximately 10 km away from Akriti’s marital home, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her fall. Authorities have confirmed that police are investigating the case, and the incident is being examined under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS, 2023) for possible criminal negligence or intentional harm.

Family’s Account and Allegations

Akriti’s brother, Amay Sutar, revealed that the family learned of the tragedy late on Sunday night. “We contacted the police station and were told my sister had suffered an accident,” he said. Despite being informed she was in the hospital, the family waited an hour before receiving the news of her death. Sutar emphasized that the incident was part of a pattern of abuse, stating, “She had been suffering for a long time. Her husband frequently blamed her, tortured her, and harbored extreme suspicions. We took action just days before the incident after she revealed the situation to us.” This timeline underscores the family’s belief that the fall was not accidental but deliberate.

“Akriti spoke to her mother around 6 pm on Saturday—hours before her death. She mentioned she had left the office and was heading home,” Sutar added. Around 8 pm that evening, the family received a call from Akriti’s husband, Arastu Sikka, stating she was missing. Nearly 90 minutes later, police confirmed her body had been found at Palika Kunj, a nearby location. The family’s claims of spousal abuse and financial pressure have intensified the investigation, as they allege Arastu demanded ₹20 lakh from Akriti before the incident.

Victim’s Background and Relationship Context

Akriti, a sales executive at a private firm in Chhatarpur, married Arastu Sikka on April 24, 2023, after a relationship that spanned eight years. Her connection to Arastu began when she befriended his sister, Agastika Sikka, before the couple formed their bond. Arastu, a government servant’s son, is currently unemployed, though he has kept his professional status private. The family claims Akriti’s marriage was fraught with tension, as her husband subjected her to verbal and physical abuse, often questioning her loyalty and pressuring her for financial support. These allegations, combined with her recent return to work, have fueled suspicions that her death was orchestrated.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Following the incident, police initiated a probe under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS, 2023) to determine the cause of the fall. The Sub Divisional Magistrate has been notified for further action, and a postmortem examination is underway to confirm the medical findings. While the husband’s family initially suggested the possibility of suicide, Akriti’s relatives remain steadfast in their claim of murder, citing her recent behavior as evidence. “If she was unhappy or planning to end her life, why would she celebrate her return to work?” her uncle, Mananjay Sutar, questioned, referencing a small gathering she hosted for colleagues on Saturday, days before her death. This event highlights the discrepancy between her apparent happiness and the alleged mistreatment she endured.

Community and Public Reaction

The incident has ignited a wave of public outcry, with local residents and social media users calling for justice. Many have shared their support for Akriti’s family, describing her as a resilient and hardworking individual who faced relentless pressure from her spouse. The NDMC flats, known for housing middle-class families, have become a focal point of discussions about domestic violence and the safety of women in such communities. Activists have emphasized the need for stricter legal measures and increased awareness, noting that Akriti’s case is emblematic of a broader issue affecting women across Delhi. Her family’s allegations of ₹20 lakh being demanded as a form of control further illustrate the intersection of financial dependence and emotional abuse in the incident.

Key Evidence and Timeline of Events

Key evidence from the day of the incident includes Akriti’s last known interactions with her mother, who was told she was returning home from work. This detail, along with the husband’s call to the family around 8 pm on Saturday, forms a critical timeline that the police are analyzing. The family’s statements, coupled with Akriti’s history of abuse, suggest a deliberate attempt to isolate her before the fall. “She was not in a state of mind to commit suicide,” Sutar asserted, highlighting the lack of prior indication of self-harm. The police are now examining whether the husband’s actions, including his alleged threats and demands for money, played a role in her decision to jump from the third floor of the NDMC flats. This investigation aims to uncover the full extent of her suffering and the potential motives behind the incident.