Sweets, poison & threads: Cops try to connect dots in Delhi Rangpuri deaths

NEW DELHI: The crime scene at Rangpuri has left investigators scratching their heads. A box of sweets, three packets of Celphos poison, five glasses and a spoon with suspicious liquid were among the first exhibits picked up by forensics experts. However, what puzzled police were the red threads that were tied around the bodies.

After poisoning was apparent, the first challenge for the cops following the discovery of a father and his four differently-abled daughters' bodies was to ascertain the motive.

According to police's initial theory, Sharma's financial struggles and advancing age had created significant challenges in supporting his daughters, potentially driving him to desperate actions. But as cops delved deeper, they were confronted with more questions than answers.



The cops seemed grappling with the eerie crime scene: four daughters, each with sacred threads tied around their necks and waists. This led the cops to probe the angle of an occult ritual. When the cops entered the apartment, they observed dust accumulated on every household item. Four glasses were recovered from the wash basin, and one was found near Heeralal's body.

CCTV footage showed Heeralal, the father, entering his residence with a box of sweets on Sept 24 – his last known sighting. The same box, now in police custody, now holds crucial clues.

"We're trying to piece together the events of that fateful day," said an investigator. "Forensic experts are analysing the box, but results are pending," he added.

Investigators suspect that the incident may have been planned a week ago. "He did not purchase the poison locally, as we checked the area and found no such shop. We are scanning the CCTV footage of other areas to determine his movements in the last few days," the officer said.

Another officer said that Sharma probably tried to poison the daughters earlier too, but aborted the plan midway.

As the investigation unfolds, police are exploring all angles, including possible motives and external influences. Police also plan to dig into their browsing history and call details besides his photo albums to get leads. However, the lack of any concrete lead so far has turned this case into a puzzle.

Heeralal had also recently performed a puja, which is meant to secure one's children, before taking the drastic step, cops suspect.

Heeralal had been working as a carpenter at Indian Spinal Injury Centre, Vasant Kunj for the past 28 years. He earned Rs 25,000 per month. Tetra packs of juice and a water bottle were found in the dustbin.