Delhi murder: Drunk junk worker kills sleeping neighbour in Malviya Nagar, arrested
Synopsis
Complainant Ranjit Yadav alerted police through a PCR call on the intervening night of 27–28 April, reporting the murder. The crime team inspected the scene and a case under appropriate sections was registered at Police Station Malviya Nagar.
Accused Background and Arrest
Rakesh Kumar is originally a resident of village Sosarai, District Nalanda, Bihar. According to police, he is unlettered and has been living in Delhi for the past 6–7 years along with his brother, working in scrap collection in Begumpur under a contractor. A hunt was launched after the incident, and Rakesh was subsequently arrested by Malviya Nagar Police.
On Tuesday, 29 April 2025, the accused was produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody, the police confirmed.
What Happens Next
Investigators are expected to file a chargesheet after completing forensic and witness proceedings. The case underscores recurring concerns about alcohol-fuelled violence in densely populated informal settlements in south Delhi.
Key Takeaways
Rakesh Kumar alias Kaily , 25 , a junk shop worker from Nalanda, Bihar , was arrested for allegedly murdering neighbour Shatrughan in Begumpur, Malviya Nagar .
The accused reportedly struck the victim on the neck with a wooden stick around 1 am on 28 April 2025 while he was asleep.
The altercation was triggered after the accused, who had consumed alcohol , used the deceased's mobile phone without permission.
Shatrughan was declared "brought dead" at AIIMS Hospital .
The accused was produced in court on 29 April 2025 and remanded to judicial custody .
A 25-year-old junk shop worker, Rakesh Kumar alias Kaily, was arrested for allegedly murdering his neighbour Shatrughan in Begumpur village, Malviya Nagar, south Delhi, in the early hours of Monday, 28 April 2025, according to the police. The accused reportedly struck the victim on the neck with a wooden stick around 1 am while he was asleep, following an earlier altercation over a mobile phone.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (South District) Anant Mittal, the evening began with a dispute between Rakesh and Shatrughan after the accused — who had consumed alcohol — reportedly used the deceased's mobile phone without permission. Bystanders intervened and the matter was considered resolved, with both parties pacified.
However, around 1 am, Rakesh allegedly returned with a wooden stick and struck Shatrughan on the neck while he lay asleep, triggering a commotion in the colony. The incident took place at Jhuggi T-5B, Gatta Godown, opposite Badi Masjid, Begumpur, under the jurisdiction of Police Station Malviya Nagar.
Victim Declared Dead at AIIMS
The injured Shatrughan was immediately shifted to AIIMS Hospital, where he was declared
Point of View
Not a crime of passion, which will likely influence the chargesheet. The broader question is one of structural vulnerability: migrant labourers living in close-quarter jhuggis with no formal dispute resolution mechanism are disproportionately exposed to such violence. Police response via PCR was reactive; the earlier intervention that 'resolved' the dispute clearly lacked any follow-through.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested for the Malviya Nagar murder in Delhi?
Rakesh Kumar alias Kaily, a 25-year-old junk shop worker originally from Nalanda, Bihar, was arrested for allegedly murdering his neighbour Shatrughan in Begumpur village, Malviya Nagar, south Delhi, on 28 April 2025.
What was the reason behind the murder in Begumpur, Delhi?
According to police, the accused had consumed alcohol and used the deceased's mobile phone without permission, leading to an altercation. Though the dispute was initially resolved, the accused allegedly attacked Shatrughan with a wooden stick while he was asleep around 1 am.
Where was the victim taken after the attack?
The injured Shatrughan was shifted to AIIMS Hospital in New Delhi, where he was declared brought dead upon arrival.
What is the current legal status of the accused?
Rakesh Kumar was produced before a court on 29 April 2025 and has been remanded to judicial custody. A case under appropriate sections has been registered at Police Station Malviya Nagar.
What is the background of the accused Rakesh Kumar?
Rakesh Kumar is originally from village Sosarai, District Nalanda, Bihar. He has been living in Delhi for 6–7 years with his brother and was working as a scrap labourer in Begumpur under a local contractor.
