Nine Persons Verified in DU Professor Murder Case, Hunt On for Four Others

Delhi Police have verified the identities of nine out of 13 people under scrutiny in the murder of Delhi University assistant professor Devosmita Paul (42) , while efforts continue to trace four others, including two masked suspects seen on CCTV footage.

Paul was found dead in her apartment in Vasundhara Enclave on Thursday after her sister, Devarati Paul , broke open the door when repeated calls went unanswered. Police suspect the murder took place between 1 pm and 6 pm on Wednesday .

Investigators found head injuries on the victim, indicating she may have been attacked with a heavy object. A post-mortem examination is underway, and a murder case has been registered.

Police said there were no signs of forced entry or ransacking, leading them to suspect that the assailants may have been known to the victim. Robbery has been ruled out as a likely motive.

CCTV footage showed a masked man and woman arriving in a cab and entering the residential complex through the staircase. They allegedly remained inside for about 30 minutes before leaving in the same vehicle. The cab has been traced and its driver is being questioned.

The investigation initially examined nearly 200 people who entered or exited the housing complex during the suspected time of the crime before narrowing the list to 13 persons of interest. Police teams have been sent to multiple states to identify the remaining suspects.

Beyond the investigation, the case has raised concerns about safety in gated residential communities, where surveillance and access-control systems are often considered sufficient safeguards. It also highlights the increasing role of CCTV analysis, digital tracking, and forensic techniques in solving urban crimes. The murder has renewed debate over residential security, visitor verification, and crime prevention measures in India's rapidly growing cities.

Further investigation is underway.