Tenant Arrested for Killing 81-Year-Old NRI Woman in Khanna Over ₹20,000 Debt :
Prime Vista News
The Khanna police have solved the blind murder case of an 81-year-old NRI woman with the arrest of her tenant, who allegedly killed her to repay a debt of ₹20,000 borrowed for his father’s medical treatment.
The victim, identified as Jagpal Kaur, was found murdered at her residence in Nawi Abadi area of Khanna earlier this month. The accused has been identified as Rahul, a native of Aligarh district in Uttar Pradesh, who was living in the same house as a tenant along with his wife and two children.
Crime Reported on February 1
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khanna, Darpan Ahluwalia, the police received a call on the emergency helpline 112 on February 1, 2026, reporting the murder of an elderly woman. Given the seriousness of the crime, police teams immediately rushed to the spot and secured the area.
Forensic experts and technical cell teams were called in to examine the scene, while investigators began collecting evidence and questioning residents in the locality.
“The case initially appeared to be a blind murder, with no immediate clues or witnesses,” the SSP said.
Special Teams Formed
To crack the case, two special investigation teams were constituted under the supervision of SP (Detective) Pawanjit. The teams analysed CCTV footage from nearby areas, examined call records, and verified the movements of people connected to the victim.
During the investigation, suspicion gradually fell on Rahul, the tenant, after inconsistencies were found in his statements and movements around the time of the crime.
Following further verification, a case was registered against him and he was taken into custody on February 6.
Confession and Motive
During preliminary questioning, Rahul allegedly confessed to the crime. Police said the accused was under financial pressure after borrowing ₹20,000 from a person in Aligarh for his father’s medical treatment.
Investigators revealed that Rahul was aware that Jagpal Kaur earned rental income from multiple properties and believed she kept cash at home. Driven by desperation, he allegedly planned the crime to steal money.
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How the Crime Was Committed
According to the police, Rahul allegedly scaled the outer wall of the house during the intervening night of January 31 and February 1 and hid inside the premises.
When Jagpal Kaur stepped out of her room, the accused attacked her from behind and strangled her using a dupatta. He then tied her hands and legs, locked her body inside the bathroom, and fled after stealing cash from her purse kept in a cupboard.
Police said the accused deliberately entered the house barefoot and left his mobile phone behind to avoid leaving footprints or digital evidence.
“The manner in which the crime was planned indicates an attempt to erase all traces,” SSP Ahluwalia said.
Recovery of Evidence
The dupatta used to strangle the victim has been recovered on the basis of the accused’s disclosure statement. Police are also examining whether any additional cash or items were taken during the crime.
Officials confirmed that forensic reports and technical evidence corroborated the accused’s confession.
Victim Lived Alone
Jagpal Kaur, an NRI, was living alone at the Khanna residence. Her age and solitary living condition made her particularly vulnerable, police said.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of elderly individuals living alone, especially those renting out portions of their homes.
Further Investigation Underway
Police said further investigation is ongoing to verify all aspects of the case and to rule out the involvement of any other person.
“The accused has been arrested, and we are continuing the investigation to ensure that all legal procedures are followed,” the SSP said.
The arrest has brought a sense of relief to the victim’s family and local residents, who had been demanding swift action in the case.
