New Delhi: A woman was shot dead at point-blank range in Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh area on Tuesday morning, barely 400 metres from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s residence, triggering serious concerns over security and law and order in the high-profile locality.
The victim has been identified as Rachna Yadav, a local resident, who was allegedly shot in the head around 11:00 am while returning to her neighbourhood. She died on the spot.
Police sources revealed that the killing appears to be linked to a long-running murder case involving her husband, who was shot dead in 2022–23 in Bhalswa Dairy. Rachna Yadav was a key prosecution witness in that case, which is currently linked to proceedings up to the Supreme Court.
According to investigators, one of the prime accused in her husband’s murder case, Bharat Yadav, is still absconding. The Supreme Court had earlier rejected his anticipatory bail and directed him to surrender, an angle now being closely examined by police.
Senior officers, including teams from the Crime Branch and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), reached the spot shortly after the incident. The area was sealed, evidence collected, and CCTV footage from surrounding locations is being scanned to identify the assailants and escape route.
Police Speak
Confirming the incident, DCP Bhisham Singh said police received a PCR call at around 11:00 am reporting a woman being shot.
“Rachna Yadav, a resident of Shalimar Bagh, was shot once in the head, leading to her death. The background of the case appears connected to Bhalswa village, where her husband Vijender Yadav was murdered in 2022 or 2023. We are investigating all possible angles, including personal enmity and revenge,” the DCP said.
He added that the police are also probing the role of absconding accused Bharat Yadav, as directed earlier by the Supreme Court.
Advocate Confirms Witness Role
Advocate Manoj Sharma, associated with the earlier case, stated that Rachna Yadav was among the primary witnesses in her husband’s murder trial.
“This was not a property dispute. Her husband’s murder had multiple accused, most of whom were arrested. One accused, Bharat Yadav, remained absconding. Rachna Yadav had opposed his bail in the Supreme Court, where his plea was dismissed and surrender was ordered,” the advocate said.
He clarified that several eyewitnesses were present during the earlier murder incident, and Rachna Yadav’s testimony was considered crucial.
Investigation Ongoing
Police have not ruled out any motive and are examining whether the murder was retaliatory or part of a larger conspiracy. Security arrangements in the area have been reviewed, given the proximity to the Chief Minister’s residence.
Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
