Couple stabbed to death in front of children over property dispute

Meerut: A gruesome double murder in Chakkar Ki Milak locality of Civil Lines has sparked panic among residents after a couple was stabbed to death in front of their three children. The victims, identified as 35-year-old Raja Ahmad and his wife, Farah (32), were allegedly killed by their neighbour and his associates following a long-standing dispute over property transaction.

According to SSP Satpal Antil, the dispute originated from Ahmad’s purchase of a one-room house along the Ramganga riverbank from his neighbour, Faheem, about a year ago. Ahmad, a brass polisher, had purchased the property for Rs 2.2 lakh and had paid Rs 2 lakh to take possession. He lived there with Farah and their three children -- Afsha (8), Atif (5) and Abbas (1.5).

The house’s legal registration remained pending, and tensions recently escalated when Faheem allegedly demanded Rs 40,000 to finalise the registry, nearly double the remaining balance of Rs 24,000. The situation reached a breaking point on Monday night. The accused and associates forcibly entered Ahmad’s place and started assaulting him.

When Farah tried to intervene, the attackers turned on her. They repeatedly stabbed the couple with knives -- all in front of their children. Hearing the commotion, neighbours arrived but the attackers managed to flee by then. Ahmad and Farah were declared brought dead at hospital.

DIG G Muniraj and SSP Satpal Antil arrived on-site to oversee investigation. Forensic teams have collected evidence and police units have been formed for raids across the region.

SSP Antil added, “Key accused Mohd Faheem has been arrested and interrogation is on.”