Delhi: The gym trainer accused of stabbing 21-year-old Delhi student and part-time model Muskan to death has been arrested after being shot in both legs during an encounter with police in West Delhi.

Police arrested 26-year-old Imran, also identified as Aqib, in connection with the murder of 21-year-old Muskan in Delhi's Tilak Nagar area.

Imran was allegedly on the run after Muskan was found stabbed multiple times inside her rented home in New Mahavir Nagar. Police intercepted him during an encounter in West Delhi and shot him in both legs before taking him into custody.

He was taken to hospital for treatment following the encounter.

What happened to Muskan?

Muskan was allegedly attacked inside her rented home on Wednesday evening while she was alone. Police said an argument broke out between the two before the accused allegedly attacked her with a knife and fled.

A house help later found her seriously injured on the second floor of the building and informed her family. A PCR call was received at Tilak Nagar Police Station at 7:24 pm.

Muskan was taken to hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police said a murder case was registered based on a complaint from her brother.

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Who was Muskan?

Muskan was a 21-year-old second-year student at Delhi University's School of Open Learning. She was also working part-time as a model. Police said she and Imran knew each other and had been acquainted for around one-and-a-half years.

According to police, Imran had previously worked as a gym trainer but was unemployed at the time of the alleged murder.

What was the alleged motive?

Police are investigating whether the murder was linked to Imran's alleged anger over Muskan speaking to another man.

An official said the accused had allegedly been angry with her for around two months because she was talking to someone else. Police also said the two had met at a hotel on August 20.

The motive has not been conclusively established and remains part of the investigation.

How did police trace the accused?

Police had formed around 15 teams to track Imran after the murder. Investigators were examining CCTV footage and conducting raids at multiple locations.

CCTV footage reportedly showed the accused entering the building at around 5:40 pm on the day of the killing.

His subsequent arrest following the encounter has ended the immediate manhunt, while investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the murder.

Crime and forensic teams inspected the crime scene and carried out photography and other forensic procedures. A post-mortem examination was also ordered to establish the precise cause and nature of Muskan's injuries.

Police are continuing to investigate the relationship between Muskan and the accused, the circumstances leading to the confrontation and the alleged motive behind the killing.