The Staircase-Inspired Murder? Delhi Techie Held For Killing Wife Over Property Dispute

A 62-year-old software consultant has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife in East Delhi after claiming he drew inspiration from the crime series 'The Staircase' to dispose of evidence and evade investigators. Police said the accused, Kamal Singh, allegedly killed his wife, Komal Singh, over a long-running property dispute before fleeing with ₹12.75 lakh in cash.

The accused was arrested near Mathura Railway Station after a three-day manhunt. Police recovered the cash and the scooter used during his escape.

Wife attacked inside home while family was away

According to police, the incident took place on July 30 when the couple was alone at home. Their son had gone to a library, their daughter was at work, and the domestic help had already left.

Investigators said Komal Singh was drying clothes on the balcony around 12.45 pm when Kamal allegedly attacked her from behind with a sword. The initial blow did not incapacitate her, and she ran towards the kitchen while screaming for help.

Police said the accused allegedly dragged her into the living room by her hair and repeatedly stabbed her with a pair of scissors, causing fatal injuries.

Accused fled after disposing of evidence

After the alleged murder, Kamal is said to have packed his blood-stained clothes and the sword into a bag, taken a shower, and left the house on his scooter.

During his escape, he allegedly discarded the bag containing the sword. Police said he also withdrew around ₹7 lakh from two bank accounts and took another ₹5 lakh in cash from the house, carrying a total of about ₹12.75 lakh.

Later that evening, the couple’s 26-year-old son returned home after unsuccessfully trying to contact his mother and found her lying in a pool of blood. While the scissors were recovered from the scene, the sword was missing.

Police tracked suspect through CCTV and electronic evidence

With Kamal missing, investigators examined CCTV footage and used technical surveillance to trace his movements.

Police said the accused initially travelled towards Gorakhpur with his mobile phone switched on, creating the impression that he intended to flee to Nepal. After reaching Gorakhpur, he switched off his phone and changed direction towards Mathura in an alleged attempt to mislead investigators.

He was arrested near Mathura Railway Station after three days on the run. Police recovered the cash and seized his scooter.

Claimed web series influenced escape plan

During interrogation, Kamal allegedly told investigators that he had planned to destroy the murder weapon after watching the HBO crime series The Staircase. According to police, he believed disposing of the weapon would weaken the evidence against him.

Officials said he was allegedly planning to escape to Nepal before his arrest.

Property dispute cited as motive

Police said the couple’s relationship had deteriorated over the past year. Investigators also found that Kamal had become close to another woman during a visit to Mumbai, which further strained the marriage.

The couple reportedly lived in the same house but maintained separate electricity bills. Police believe a dispute over a property in Jagatpuri was the primary motive behind the alleged murder.

According to investigators, Kamal wanted the property to be registered in his father’s name, while Komal insisted on her share, leading to frequent arguments before the fatal incident.