Delhi Police have identified and verified nine of the 13 people being examined in connection with the murder of a Delhi University professor, while efforts
are underway to trace four others, including two masked individuals captured on CCTV entering her apartment complex, sources said on Friday. The victim, 42-year-old Devosmita Paul, an assistant professor at a Delhi University college, was found dead inside her flat in East Delhi's Vasundhara Enclave on Thursday. According to police, CCTV footage from the residential society has emerged as a key piece of evidence in the investigation. The footage allegedly shows two masked individuals arriving in a cab and entering the apartment complex through the staircase instead of using the lift. Sources said the suspects, believed to be a man and a woman, were carrying a bag and remained inside the building for around 30 minutes before leaving in the same vehicle.
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Police have traced the cab used by the suspects and are questioning the driver as part of the investigation.
The murder came to light after the victim's sister, Devarati Paul, contacted police on Thursday afternoon. She told investigators that repeated calls to her sister had gone unanswered and that the flat had remained locked from outside since morning. Growing suspicious, she broke open the door and found Devosmita lying dead inside the apartment.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Rajeev Kumar said investigators believe the murder took place sometime on Wednesday.
Preliminary findings revealed injury marks on the victim's head, suggesting she may have been attacked with a heavy object. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination.
Police have registered a case of murder at New Ashok Nagar police station and formed multiple teams to investigate the crime.
Investigators said there were no signs of forced entry or any major disturbance inside the flat, leading them to suspect that the assailants may have been known to the victim. Robbery has not emerged as a likely motive so far.
Police initially reviewed CCTV footage and movement records of nearly 200 people who entered or exited the housing complex during the suspected period of the crime. The list was later narrowed to 13 persons of interest.
Of these, nine individuals have been identified and verified, while four remain unidentified. The two masked individuals seen on CCTV are among those yet to be traced.
Investigators believe the crime was committed between 1 pm and 6 pm on Wednesday. According to police sources, Devosmita had spoken to her mother around 1 pm. Later, when her domestic help arrived around 6 pm and knocked on the door, there was no response.
Several cab drivers who visited the housing society during the relevant period are also being questioned as police attempt to piece together the sequence of events.
Police teams have been sent to four states to identify and locate the remaining suspects. Further investigation is underway.
(With Inputs from PTI)
