Delhi Police have solved the shocking murder of a 32-year-old UPSC aspirant, Ramkesh Meena, whose charred body was found in a burnt apartment in north Delhi’s Gandhi Vihar earlier this month. What first appeared to be an accidental fire has now been confirmed as a brutal crime of revenge and deception.
Police arrested three people, Meena’s live-in partner Amrita Chauhan (21), her ex-boyfriend Sumit Kashyap (27), and their friend Sandeep Kumar (29), all residents of Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Investigators said the trio used their knowledge of forensic science and gas mechanics to plan and execute the murder, setting the flat ablaze to make it look like an accident.
From Love to Betrayal: How the Crime Unfolded
Amrita, a B.Sc. Forensic Science student, had been living with Meena since May. Their relationship soured when she found out that Meena had secretly recorded her private videos. Despite repeated requests, he allegedly refused to delete them. Feeling trapped and humiliated, Amrita confided in her ex-boyfriend Sumit Kashyap, who decided to help her “teach him a lesson.” Sumit then brought in his friend Sandeep Kumar to assist in the plan.
According to DCP (North) Raja Banthia, the trio travelled from Moradabad to Delhi on the night of October 5–6 and entered Meena’s fourth-floor flat in Gandhi Vihar. CCTV footage showed two masked men and a woman entering the building. Around 2:57 a.m., the woman and one of the men were seen leaving. Moments later, an explosion tore through the flat.
Murder Disguised as Fire Accident
Initially, police believed the fire was caused by an air-conditioner blast, but forensic evidence and CCTV footage soon revealed otherwise.
“The CCTV footage showed two people, their faces covered, entering the building on the night of the incident. And there was a fire soon after the two walked out, which raised suspicion. Based on forensic findings, it became clear that this was a murder,” said DCP Banthia.
Amrita’s mobile location placed her near the scene, and her call records confirmed her involvement. During interrogation, she admitted to the crime and explained how the trio strangled Meena, poured ghee, oil, and alcohol on his body, and then opened the gas cylinder valve to trigger the explosion.
“The accused along with her former lover reached the apartment and strangulated the victim. Then they poured ghee, oil and alcohol on the victim’s body. Then with the help of another accomplice, they opened the valve of the gas cylinder to trigger the blast,” the DCP added.
Meticulous Planning Inspired by Crime Series
Police said Amrita’s knowledge of forensic science and her fascination with crime web series helped her design the plan. Sumit, who works as an LPG distributor, used his technical skills to set up the blast and make it appear accidental. Before fleeing, they locked the flat from inside using a small hole in the iron gate to mislead investigators.
They also took away Meena’s hard disk, laptops, and other belongings to destroy evidence. During the investigation, police recovered a hard disk, two mobile phones, a trolley bag, and Meena’s shirt from the accused.
Following Amrita’s confession, police arrested Sumit on October 21 and Sandeep on October 23. Both admitted their roles during questioning.
Investigation and Current Status
The investigation was led by Inspector Pankaj Tomar of Timarpur Police Station, who used technical surveillance, call data, and local intelligence to piece together the crime. A case has been registered under sections related to murder, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence.
All three accused are now in police custody, and further investigation is underway.
