Delhi Horror: Son Locks Parents in Flat; Mother Found Dead, Father Critical

A tragic incident unfolded in southeast Delhi’s Jamia Nagar on Sunday night when police discovered a 65-year-old woman dead and her 70-year-old husband in a critical state inside their flat. The couple’s 50-year-old son, described by police as “mentally challenged” with a known history of psychiatric illness, was present at the scene.

Discovery of the Incident

The matter came to light after relatives raised an alarm, unable to contact the elderly couple for nearly a week. Their daughter, living in Hong Kong, had also grown increasingly concerned after repeated calls went unanswered. Disturbed, she informed her maternal uncle and aunt, who rushed to the residence but were reportedly denied entry by the son.

With no response, the family contacted the police around 11:30 pm. “Seeing the sensitivity of the case, the SHO and ACP rushed to the spot where the family members were present. The door was found locked from inside. We broke open the door to get inside. In one of the bedrooms, we found a dead body on the bed and her husband was found lying to her. He was in a critical and fragile condition. The staff immediately rushed him to AIIMS as he needed medical care. Their son was sitting outside the bedroom,” said Hemant Tiwari, deputy commissioner of police (southeast).

Condition of the Victims

The elderly man, a retired music teacher, was admitted to AIIMS in a fragile state and continues to remain under medical supervision. His wife’s body was sent for autopsy. While doctors suggested the death was likely natural, the body was found “highly decomposed,” indicating she may have passed away days earlier. “However, the exact cause of death can only be revealed after the post mortem examination,” said an officer associated with the probe.

Son’s Behaviour Raises Questions

During questioning, police noted that the son’s responses were inconsistent. “He has a history of psychiatric illness. He first said his mother and father were sleeping. He later admitted that he confined himself with his parents inside the home for four to five days without food. We suspect he did not feed them either,” said a senior officer.

Investigators believe the couple may have been locked in for days, unable to seek help. The daughter’s repeated unanswered calls ultimately triggered the family’s intervention, leading to the grim discovery.

Police Action and Next Steps

“The son was taken to IHBAS by our staff as none of his relatives came forward to accompany him. He was later referred to GTB Hospital. The district crime team inspected the flat, and criminal proceedings have been initiated,” DCP Tiwari added.

Police are now awaiting the autopsy report to confirm the cause of death while continuing to examine the role of neglect in the tragedy.