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35-year-old woman stabbed to death after altercation over phone in NE Delhi
A 35-year-old woman, Rakhi, was stabbed to death and her husband Ashu was injured following a dispute over a mobile phone in Azadpur, northeast Delhi. The incident began when the couple’s minor son had his phone taken by three local boys; two assailants then attacked the couple, returned later with knives, and forced the couple to seek help at a hospital.
Why It Matters
The case highlights violent crime linked to disputes over property and mobile devices in a slum area, prompting police manhunt measures and raising concerns about safety and bystander intervention.
Timeline
6 Events
Family statements to police detailing sequence of events
April 20, 2026
Roshini Solanki, Ashu’s sister, told police that the 10-year-old boy was playing on the mobile phone when the accused took it away and fled. She said Ashu chased and caught the accused, who refused to return the phone; Ashu allegedly slapped one of them. The trio reportedly threatened revenge and returned with knives. Solanki added that the couple’s two minor sons pleaded for intervention, and that some locals filmed instead of helping, a factor she suggested could have changed the outcome.
Police form teams and conduct raids in search of suspects
April 20, 2026
Deputy Commissioner of Police stated that multiple teams have been formed to nab the assailants and raids are being conducted at possible hideouts.
Police notified and victims transported to hospital
April 19, 2026
Police received a call about the stabbing at 9 pm near TPT Centre Jhuggi, close to railway tracks in Azadpur. The injured were rushed to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital, where Rakhi was declared dead and Ashu received medical treatment before being discharged.
Assailants return with knives about 30 minutes later
April 19, 2026
The trio allegedly returned about half an hour after the initial attack, again armed with knives, and threatened revenge.
First stabbing during the altercation
April 19, 2026
Two of the assailants attacked both Rakhi and Ashu with knives and fled after the assault, as the altercation over the phone escalated.
Initial incident: phone taken by youths from the couple’s minor son during play, leading to a confrontation
April 19, 2026
The couple’s 10-year-old son was playing a game on a mobile phone outside their home when three local boys took the phone and fled. Ashu and Rakhi objected, and the argument began a violent sequence that preceded the stab injuries.