Tilak Nagar Murder Suspect Arrested After Brief Gunfight in Rajouri Garden

Delhi Police arrested a 26-year-old man late Thursday night following a brief exchange of fire in Rajouri Garden, a day after he allegedly strangled and stabbed his 21-year-old girlfriend to death at her residence in west Delhi's Tilak Nagar. The accused, identified as Iman Khan, sustained three gunshot wounds to his legs during the encounter.

According to police, the victim, Muskan Sharma, was alone at her home when Khan arrived with a knife brought from his residence. Following a heated argument, Khan allegedly stabbed Sharma three times in the chest and abdomen. Police stated that Khan subsequently fled with Sharma's mobile phone in an attempt to delete chats and media before discarding the device near a drain, where it was later recovered.

Investigators identified Khan through CCTV footage that captured his presence at the victim's house and his exit at 6:00 pm. Around 15 police teams were deployed along suspected escape routes and hideouts.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Hareshwar V Swami said Khan's movement was spotted on Raghubir Nagar Nala Road around 10:55 pm. At approximately 11:15 pm, officers intercepted him near the sub-registrar office on Nala Road in Rajouri Garden. When directed to surrender, Khan opened fire with an illegal pistol. Police returned fire, shooting him in the legs to overpower him.

Khan was admitted to Guru Gobind Singh Hospital in Raghubir Nagar for medical treatment and surgery. Police revealed that he had prior criminal records, including a 2018 case registered under the POCSO Act for stalking and sexual harassment, and a 2021 case for attempted culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Sharma, who worked with bridal-wear brands and makeup artists on promotional campaigns, was also pursuing her graduation through Delhi University's School of Open Learning. Police noted that Khan had a history of harassing Sharma after she sought to end their relationship.