Preeti used to live alone. Police suspect the attack took place between 3 am and 4 am, after the assailant ransacked the house and fled.
Preeti was found dead around 8 am by her daughter Vijeta Arora, who had come to check on her.
“A case of trespassing, robbery and murder has been registered at Nizamuddin police station,” a senior police officer said. Police are examining CCTV footage and questioning people in the area to identify the accused, who is suspected to be in his 20s.
Police said the accused — who wore a face mask, a T-shirt and capri — allegedly waited patiently for Preeti to open the door in the early hours. There were no signs of forced entry, they added.
Vijeta, who lives nearby, said, “I entered the house and saw her lying on the bed. She had injuries on her face and her hands were tied. All the items in the house were scattered.”
“The attacker locked some of the houses in the locality from outside before carrying out the crime,” she added.
Vijeta’s husband, Deepak Sachdeva, said that as per CCTV camera footage, it appears that the accused entered the house around 3.15 am. He alleged that the man had conducted a recce of the area and had been seen in the locality on Thursday.
“It was a pre-planned murder. My wife had gone to drop off our daughter, after which she told me that she wanted to go meet her mother. She resided on the ground floor and the doors of all five houses on the ground floor were latched from outside,” Deepak said.
The family urged the residents’ welfare associations and police to strengthen night patrolling in the area. “Several elderly people stay alone at their residence and security should be of prime importance,” Deepak said.
The murder brought back memories of a similar case in nearby Jangpura Extension. On May 10, 2024, 63-year-old physician Dr Yogesh Chander Paul was allegedly murdered at his residence in what police suspected was a planned robbery.
The attackers allegedly entered the house after knowing the doctor’s routine, restrained him and strangled him with his pet dog’s leash before fleeing with valuables. The investigation later pointed to an alleged inside job, with the family’s domestic help of nearly 24 years accused of sharing information about the house and its valuables with the perpetrators.
Sakshi Chand is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in investigative journalism, she is a leading voice on crime, the prison system, and institutional governance in the National Capital. Professional Background Specialization: Her reporting focus includes high-stakes crime, national security, prison reforms, and traffic governance. Key Coverage: She has been on the frontlines of major events such as the 2G spectrum case, the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, and communal clashes across Uttar Pradesh (Kasganj, Aligarh). Earlier Career: Before joining The Indian Express, she was a reporter for The Times of India. Personal Interests: Outside of her career in journalism, Sakshi is a National-level basketball player and coach, bringing a unique sporting discipline to her professional life. Major Recent Coverage (Late 2025) Her reporting in the latter half of 2025 has been dominated by a major terror investigation and administrative accountability: 1. The Red Fort Blast Investigation Throughout November and December 2025, Sakshi led the coverage of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort: Forensic Breakthroughs: She reported on the use of TATP and ammonium nitrate in the IED and identified the shops where raw materials were sourced (Nov 14-16, 2025). The "i20 Route": She meticulously tracked the journey of the vehicle used in the blast, tracing it to a Pulwama-based resident who entered Delhi via the Badarpur toll plaza (Nov 12, 2025). Victim Support: She recently reported on the Delhi Police providing a list of damaged vehicle owners to the Finance Ministry to expedite insurance claims for those caught in the blast (Dec 4, 2025). 2. Crime & Police Accountability "Crackdown on Extortion Gangs": In December 2025, she reported on a syndicate that was blackmailing traffic cops. Following five arrests, the Special CP directed officers to report all such attempts (Dec 12, 2025). "Corruption in the Ranks": She covered the arrest of five Delhi Police personnel by the Vigilance branch following a wave of public complaints (May 19, 2025). Cold Cases & International Murders: She has extensively tracked the case of a man who allegedly killed his wife in London and fled to India, reporting on his "Proclaimed Offender" status and the denial of his anticipatory bail (May 2025). 3. Governance & Public Policy "13,000 Homes for 90,000 Cops": A data-driven feature on why the majority of Delhi Police personnel are forced to live on rent despite the city's housing projects (May 4, 2025). Traffic Decongestion: Using her interest in urban logistics, she detailed how the Traffic Police eased congestion on Vikas Marg by switching off signals and creating U-turns (April 2, 2025). Signature Style Sakshi Chand is known for a data-driven and investigative approach. She frequently uses forensic reports, CCTV analysis, and administrative data to go beyond the "official version" of a crime story. Her work in prison reporting is particularly noted for highlighting the legal and humanitarian conditions of foreign detention centers and local jails. ... Read More
