Pregnant woman, lover killed in public; husband battles for life

A shocking incident of violence linked to an extramarital affair has rocked central Delhi’s Ram Nagar area, leaving two people dead and one critically injured.

According to the police, Shalini, a 22-year-old homemaker and mother of two daughters, was fatally stabbed by her lover, Aashu, alias Shailendra (34), in full public view late on Friday night. In a desperate attempt to save his wife, her husband Akash, 23, retaliated and killed Aashu before collapsing from multiple stab wounds. He is currently undergoing treatment and remains in a critical condition.

Investigators said Aashu, a known local criminal, was enraged after learning that Shalini — who was reportedly pregnant — had decided to return to her husband. He allegedly claimed that the unborn child was his and had been pressuring her to leave Akash.

The fatal confrontation occurred near Qutub Road when Shalini and Akash had gone to visit her mother, Sheila. The police said Aashu suddenly appeared, attacked Akash with a knife and then turned on Shalini, stabbing her repeatedly. Despite being grievously injured, Akash managed to overpower Aashu, snatch the weapon, and stab him to death.

All three were rushed to hospital, where Shalini and Aashu were declared dead on arrival. Akash survived with serious injuries, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan.

Shalini’s mother, Sheila, told investigators that her daughter’s marriage had been strained a few years ago, during which she became involved with Aashu. The two had even lived together briefly before Shalini reconciled with Akash and returned to live with him and their children.

This reconciliation is believed to have infuriated Aashu, who insisted that Shalini’s pregnancy was the result of their affair. The police suspect that this dispute drove him to commit the fatal attack.

A case of murder and attempted murder has been registered based on Sheila’s statement. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem and further investigation is under way.