Delhi 11-year-old rape-murder: Police reveal chilling timeline of the alleged crime

Delhi: The abduction, rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Delhi's Mehrauli has triggered nationwide outrage, with investigators uncovering new details about the accused's movements, forensic evidence and the background checks followed by ride-hailing platforms.

The investigation into the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in south Delhi's Mehrauli has revealed disturbing details about how the crime was allegedly carried out, while raising fresh questions over public safety and the verification process followed by app-based cab services.

According to Delhi Police, the accused, 25-year-old cab driver Basu Kumar Singh, allegedly spent around 45 minutes watching the family as they slept on a pavement during the early hours of June 22. Investigators said he waited until the child moved slightly away from her mother before allegedly lifting her into his vehicle without alerting the family.

Police tracked the suspect using CCTV footage and ride-hailing platform data, leading to his arrest in West Delhi's Vikaspuri less than seven hours later while he was reportedly completing another passenger trip.

The investigation took another dramatic turn during a crime scene reconstruction on June 23. According to police, Singh allegedly grabbed a service weapon from an officer and attempted to flee after opening fire. Police returned fire, injuring him in the leg before taking him back into custody. He was later admitted to hospital under police security.

Investigators are continuing to gather forensic evidence that could prove crucial to the case. Bloodstains, a towel suspected to have been used in the killing, stones believed to have been used during the assault, and strands of hair recovered from both the cab and the location where the child's body was found have all been sent for forensic examination. Police are also awaiting the post-mortem and potency test reports.

The case has also intensified scrutiny of the background verification systems used by ride-hailing companies. Police said they have blocked the accused's cab aggregator account and sought details from the platforms regarding the screening process followed before he was allowed to operate as a driver.

According to investigators, Singh allegedly has multiple criminal cases registered against him in Bihar, including sexual assault and attempted murder cases. Authorities are examining how a person with such allegations was able to work as a commercial cab driver.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police expected to rely on forensic reports, digital evidence and witness statements as they prepare the chargesheet.