A chilling phone call, a brutal assault, and a young SWAT commando fighting for life. What led to the death of 24-year-old Kajal Chaudhary inside her own home has shaken Delhi and reignited outrage over dowry-linked violence.
Kajal succumbed to her injuries on January 27
New Delhi: The brutal killing of 24-year-old Delhi Police SWAT commando Kajal Chaudhary has sent shockwaves across the capital, once again spotlighting the grim reality of domestic violence and dowry-related abuse. Kajal succumbed to her injuries on January 27, five days after she was allegedly assaulted by her husband at their residence in Mohan Garden, Delhi.
According to her family, the assault took place on January 22 following a heated argument. Kajal’s brother, Nikhil, said she was beaten mercilessly, including being struck with a dumbbell.
Love Marriage Turns Tragic: Female commando murdered by husband two years after wedding
During the attack, he received a distress call from his sister amid her screams. Just minutes later, her husband Ankur allegedly called back with a chilling confession, saying, “Mere haathon yeh mar gayi hai, aa jao ise lene” (She has died by my hands, come and take her).
Kajal was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared her brain-dead due to severe head injuries. Medical professionals reportedly informed the family that the damage was irreversible. She remained on life support until her death on January 27.
Kajal had married Ankur on November 23, 2023. Her mother alleged that the marriage quickly turned abusive due to persistent dowry demands. She claimed Ankur and his family repeatedly pressured Kajal for more money and valuables, with the harassment intensifying months after the wedding.
Though initially Ankur appeared supportive, the family said he eventually joined his parents and siblings in demanding dowry, creating an increasingly hostile environment for Kajal.
At the time of the assault, Kajal was reportedly four months pregnant and was also the mother of a 1.5-year-old son, who is now in the care of her parents. Despite facing abuse at home, she continued serving in Delhi Police’s elite SWAT unit, having been recruited in 2022.
Her father said the family learned about the attack through Nikhil on January 22 and helplessly watched her condition deteriorate over the following days.
Ankur, a clerk with the Ministry of Defence, has been suspended from service. Police initially registered a case of attempt to murder at Mohan Garden police station, which was later upgraded to murder and dowry death following Kajal’s death and the family’s formal complaint.
He has been arrested and sent to judicial custody in Tihar Jail. Police say investigations are ongoing, with further action to be taken based on forensic and medical reports.
Kajal’s death has reignited public outrage and calls for stricter enforcement of laws meant to protect women from domestic violence and dowry-related crimes.
