Delhi Tragedy: Father Helplessly Watches as Stalker in Burqa Kills Daughter

• The attacker: Taufiq had known Neha and her family for years, even celebrated Raksha Bandhan with them. His obsessive advances escalated after Neha distanced herself
• The crime: On Monday, around 8:30 AM, Neha went to the rooftop to switch on the water pump. Taufiq, wearing a burqa, followed her, strangled her with her dupatta, and shoved her off the rooftop—she fell approximately 50 feet onto a heap of bricks. Her father tried to save her but was physically pushed by the assailant
• Aftermath: Neha was rushed to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital and succumbed to her injuries nearly 12 hours later. Taufiq fled the scene. He was arrested Tuesday night in Uttar Pradesh after coordinated police raids

Family’s Perspective

• Father’s anguish: Surender Kumar, injured himself, tearfully said, “I tried to save her but he shoved me.”
• Victim’s background: Neha had completed Class XII and was working at a private firm in Mandoli. She aspired to support her family—a hope that was violently ended
• Connection to attacker: Taufiq had ingratiated himself as a family friend, earning their trust before his advances turned dark and dangerous .

Community Response & Broader Implications

• Public outrage: Markets in Ashok Nagar and Mandoli shut down in protest. Heavy police deployment aimed to maintain calm amid communal tensions, as the victim was Hindu and the accused Muslim
• Calls for justice: The family demands maximum punishment, pressing for death penalty. Locals are urging stricter stalking laws and protection mechanisms for women

Police & Legal Developments

• Charges filed: FIR escalated from attempted murder to murder, with additional sections for stalking and crimes against women
• Investigation status: Taufiq was found with dupatta and burqa; police are investigating entry points and how he gained rooftop access
• Arrest update: He was apprehended in Uttar Pradesh Tuesday night after joint efforts by Delhi and UP police teams

Expert & Legal Context

• Safety concerns: This case underscores the urgent necessity for stronger anti‑stalking laws and better rooftop access control in Delhi’s residential buildings.
• Mental health angle: Experts note that stalking often stems from irrational obsession and untreated mental distress, indicating the need for early detection and intervention.

What Happens Next

1. Police proceedings: Continued interrogation of Taufiq; gathering evidence, witness statements, and CCTV footage review.
2. Legal route: Family pushing for capital punishment under relevant sections of IPC and the Stalking Act.
3. Preventive measures: Neighbors and resident associations demanding enhanced security protocols, CCTV, roof access checks.
4. Policy push: Renewed calls for immediate reforms—stronger punishment for stalking, mandatory rooftop safety regulations, and mental health screening programs.

In the Words of the Father

Surender Kumar, speaking near the mortuary, shared his horror:
I was downstairs doing chores when I heard a commotion… I rushed up to find Taufiq attacking my daughter. I tried to save Neha but he shoved me… My arm was hurting badly. I couldn’t even move to protect Neha