Delhi Murder Case: Tattoo Clue and CCTV Trail Lead Police on 1,100-km Chase to Gujarat; Accused Confesses

The discovery of a middle-aged woman’s body near Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar railway station has led police on a tense interstate pursuit, ultimately culminating in the arrest of a 23-year-old man in Gujarat—1,100 kilometres from the crime scene.

The investigation began on November 16, when police found the body of a 52-year-old woman lying in bushes near the railway tracks. Her clothes were torn, and the body bore multiple deep injuries inflicted by a sharp weapon. At the site, officers also recovered a pair of women’s slippers and a pair of men’s slippers, along with a distinctive clue: the name “Salman” tattooed on the woman’s arm.

Following the registration of a murder case, police undertook an extensive review of CCTV footage from the area. The woman was seen walking toward the station shortly before a young man appeared on camera following the same route. The man, dressed in white and black slippers matching the pair recovered at the scene, was later captured returning—this time barefoot.

The footage and prior records enabled police to identify the suspect as Salman alias Bona, a 23-year-old who had previously been booked in two high-profile robbery cases, kidnapping, and the rape of a minor. He was already facing trial in Gujarat but had stopped attending court proceedings.

Police initially searched the slum where Salman resided but found he had fled. Meanwhile, the victim’s family identified the woman and informed investigators that she had been mentally unstable and missing for some time.

Through sustained surveillance and intelligence from informants, authorities traced Salman to a brick kiln in Bharuch, Gujarat—over 1,100 kilometres away. A police team travelled to the location and apprehended him.

During interrogation, Salman allegedly confessed to attacking, raping, and murdering the woman. Further investigation is underway, and officials are examining whether he may be linked to other offences.