
In a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, a 27-year-old Delhi Police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commando, Kajal Chaudhary, was brutally murdered by her husband in what authorities are investigating as a case of domestic violence fueled by persistent dowry demands. The tragic event unfolded on January 22nd, culminating in Kajal's death on January 27th, leaving behind a one-and-a-half-year-old son and a grieving family.
The horrifying details of Kajal's last moments were reportedly overheard by her brother, Nikhil, a police constable stationed at Parliament Street Police Station. According to Nikhil, his brother-in-law, Ankur, who works as a clerk in the Ministry of Defence, made a chilling call to him while allegedly assaulting Kajal. "He called me and said, 'Apni behen ko samjha le' (Make your sister understand)," Nikhil recounted, describing the ominous beginning of the fateful night.
Nikhil, attempting to de-escalate the situation, advised Ankur to calm down and immediately dialled his sister. "She normally wouldn't tell us much about what was happening, but that day she was sharing her ordeal," Nikhil stated. It was during this conversation that Ankur reportedly snatched the phone from Kajal, enraged that she was confiding in her brother. What followed were words that would forever haunt Nikhil: "Is call ko recording pe rakh, police evidence me kaam aayega. Main maar raha hoon teri behen ko. Police mera kuch nahi kar payegi' (Put this call on recording, it will be useful as police evidence. I am killing your sister. Police won't be able to do anything)." Nikhil then heard his sister's terrified screams before the call abruptly ended.
Just five minutes later, Ankur called again, delivering the devastating news: "Ye mar gayi hai. Hospital aajao' (She is dead. Come to the hospital)." Rushing to the Ghaziabad hospital with police personnel, Nikhil and his family were met with a scene of profound sorrow. Witnessing his sister's body, Nikhil expressed his anguish, stating, "not even an enemy kills someone like this."
Investigators have revealed that Kajal, who was four months pregnant at the time of her death, sustained a fatal blow to the head with a heavy dumbbell, allegedly struck from behind. Her family also asserts that she bore multiple injuries across her body, indicative of a severe assault. The incident occurred at their rented residence in Mohan Garden Extension, West Delhi, between 10 and 10:30 pm on January 22nd.
The motive behind this heinous crime appears to be deeply rooted in alleged dowry harassment and long-standing marital discord. Kajal's family has accused her mother-in-law and two sisters-in-law of subjecting her to persistent demands for dowry. The couple, who had been married since November 23, 2023, also frequently argued over financial matters and household responsibilities.
Kajal's mother revealed that her daughter had taken a loan for her in-laws, and Ankur himself had borrowed money from Kajal's parents. Kajal's father, Rakesh, recounted how despite providing substantial gifts at the wedding, including a Bullet bike, significant gold jewellery, and cash, the demands never ceased. "We gave them a Bullet bike, gold jewellery and cash at the wedding, but they said our son would have got a car (had he married someone else)," he stated, highlighting the insatiable nature of the demands. He added that Kajal even arranged a car later, yet the harassment persisted, making it difficult for them to even speak freely with their daughter.
This was reportedly not the first instance of physical abuse. Nikhil alleged that his sister had been slapped by her husband approximately five months prior. At that time, Ankur had apologized and vowed never to repeat such an act, swearing on their child. Kajal's brother had encouraged her to return home if she felt unsafe, emphasizing that she was not obligated to stay. Furthermore, despite her pregnancy, Kajal was allegedly forced to perform all household chores upon returning from duty, including cooking, washing clothes, and utensils, according to Nikhil.
Kajal and Ankur's relationship began in college in Panipat. Following frequent disputes at their ancestral home in Ganaur, Haryana, the couple decided to move and shifted to a rented accommodation in Mohan Garden in December 2024, hoping for a fresh start. However, the tensions and discord reportedly continued, ultimately leading to this tragic conclusion.
Ankur was arrested hours after Kajal succumbed to her injuries, and a case of murder has been registered against him. Their young son is currently in the care of his maternal grandparents. "Her son doesn't know anything about the incident, and we have decided that we will only raise him. We will tell him when he is mature enough to understand such things," Nikhil affirmed, outlining the heartbreaking challenge of raising a child orphaned by such a devastating act of violence.
This incident casts a stark light on the persistent challenges of domestic violence and dowry-related crimes that continue to plague society, even impacting those who serve in law enforcement. The loss of a dedicated commando and a mother under such circumstances is a poignant reminder of the urgent need for greater awareness, stronger enforcement, and societal change to protect individuals from such heinous acts.