Delhi professor murder: Masked duo entered DU victim's flat on June 3
Synopsis
Two masked individuals — a man and a woman — were caught on CCTV entering Delhi professor Debosmita Paul's apartment at 3.20 pm on June 3, the very day she is believed to have been murdered. They avoided the lift, spent nearly 30 minutes inside, and left in apparently different clothes. With no forced entry and the victim living alone, investigators are now focused on the 'friendly entry' theory.
Key Takeaways
A masked man and woman entered Debosmita Paul's flat in Vasundhara Enclave, east Delhi at around 3.20 pm on June 3 , the suspected day of her murder.
The duo reportedly spent nearly 30 minutes inside and allegedly left in different clothes, according to sources.
CCTV footage allegedly shows them avoiding the lift and using the staircase to reach the flat.
No signs of forced entry were found, pointing to a possible 'friendly entry' — suggesting the victim may have known her visitors.
Paul , an Assistant Professor at Shivaji College, University of Delhi , had been living alone after separating from her husband in 2022 .
The cab driver who ferried the duo has been detained for questioning ; post-mortem underway at Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital .
A masked man and woman were captured on CCTV entering the Vasundhara Enclave apartment of Debosmita Paul, an Assistant Professor at Shivaji College, University of Delhi, at around 3.20 pm on June 3 — the day she is believed to have been killed — and reportedly remained inside for nearly 30 minutes before leaving, according to sources close to the investigation. Investigators are yet to establish whether the pair arrived before or after the murder took place.
What CCTV Footage Revealed
According to sources, the duo arrived at Satyam Apartments in Vasundhara Enclave, east Delhi, in a private cab. The cab driver waited outside while the two — both wearing masks and carrying bags — entered the building. Surveillance footage allegedly shows them deliberately avoiding the lift and instead using the staircase to reach Paul's flat, a detail investigators consider significant. Sources further noted that the pair appeared to be wearing different clothes when they exited the premises roughly 30 minutes later.
The Discovery and Initial Findings
Paul was found dead on Thursday, June 5, after her sister, Devarati Paul, grew alarmed when repeated phone calls went unanswered. Upon reaching the apartment, Devarati found it locked from the outside. On entering, she discovered her sister's body lying in a pool of blood and immediately alerted police. Preliminary findings suggest the murder occurred on June 3, a day before the body was found. Investigators noted that Paul sustained a severe head injury caused by a heavy object, and injuries were also found on her wrist. A post-mortem examination is currently underway at Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital to determine the precise cause and time of death.
No Forced Entry — 'Friendly Entry' Theory
Initial examination of the crime scene revealed no signs of forced entry, leading investigators to believe the victim may have voluntarily allowed the visitors inside. This has strengthened the theory of a 'friendly entry,' suggesting Paul likely knew the individual or individuals who entered her home. Paul had been living alone in her sister's flat following her separation from her husband in 2022 after marital disputes; her estranged husband currently resides in Bengaluru.
Cab Driver Detained, Investigation Ongoing
The cab driver who transported the masked duo to the apartment has been detained for questioning. Police have collected the ride details to trace the identities of the passengers. Investigators are also reviewing additional surveillance footage and other evidence to reconstruct the full sequence of events on June 3. Police are continuing to question neighbours, domestic staff, and other individuals connected to the case as the probe progresses.
Point of View
Masked faces, apparent change of clothes) points to premeditation, not an opportunistic act. Delhi has seen a troubling pattern of violence against women living alone, and the 'friendly entry' dynamic recurs in a disproportionate share of such cases. The real test for investigators is whether digital evidence — cab records, call data, CCTV chain — can establish identity before the trail goes cold.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Debosmita Paul?
Debosmita Paul was an Assistant Professor at Shivaji College, University of Delhi. She had been living alone in her sister's apartment at Satyam Apartments in Vasundhara Enclave, east Delhi, following her separation from her husband in 2022.
When and how was Debosmita Paul's body discovered?
Her body was discovered on Thursday, June 5, by her sister Devarati Paul, who grew concerned after her calls went unanswered. Devarati found the apartment locked from the outside and, upon entering, found Debosmita's body in a pool of blood.
Who are the masked individuals seen on CCTV?
The identities of the masked man and woman have not yet been established. According to sources, they arrived at the apartment complex in a private cab at around 3.20 pm on June 3. Police have detained the cab driver and are using ride records to trace the passengers.
What does 'friendly entry' mean in this investigation?
'Friendly entry' refers to the investigative theory that the victim voluntarily opened the door to her visitors, since no signs of forced entry were found at the crime scene. This suggests the victim may have known the individuals who entered her flat.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Police have detained the cab driver for questioning and are examining CCTV footage and ride records to identify the masked duo. A post-mortem examination is underway at Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital. Investigators are also questioning neighbours, domestic staff, and others connected to the case.
