New Delhi: A shocking murder in East Delhi has taken a dramatic turn after police alleged that a 62-year-old software consultant carefully planned the killing of his wife after watching a popular crime web series.

The accused, Kamal Singh, was arrested four days after he allegedly murdered his wife, Komal Singh (50), inside their home in Gagan Vihar and fled with more than ₹12.75 lakh in cash. Police claim he tried to destroy evidence by disposing of the murder weapon, which is yet to be recovered.

The crime came to light on July 30 when the couple's 26-year-old son, Gaurav Singh, returned home after spending the day studying at a library in Noida. After repeatedly calling his mother without receiving any response, he used a spare key to enter the house around 9:15 p.m.

Inside, he found his mother lying in a pool of blood beside the living room sofa. According to police, she had suffered more than 10 stab injuries. A pair of scissors was found at the scene, but the weapon used to strike her on the head was missing. Kamal Singh had also disappeared.

Police said the couple had been facing serious marital problems for more than a year. Investigators claim Kamal had developed a relationship with another woman during a business trip to Mumbai, leading to constant disputes at home.

The couple lived with their two children in a four-storey family-owned building. According to police, Kamal had divided their three-bedroom apartment into separate sections, restricting Komal to one part of the house. Separate electricity meters had even been installed, and she reportedly paid her own electricity bills.

Their son told investigators that arguments between his parents had become frequent.

Property dispute became the final trigger

Police said the immediate reason for the murder was a disagreement over a property Kamal wanted to purchase in Jagatpuri.

According to investigators, Kamal wanted the property registered in his father's name, while Komal insisted her name should also be included, fearing she would be excluded from the family's assets. The disagreement reportedly led to repeated arguments.

During questioning, police said Kamal admitted he had been planning the murder for several weeks.

Investigators believe he was influenced by "The Staircase," an HBO crime drama based on a real-life murder case in the United States, where the alleged murder weapon was never found.

Police claim Kamal bought a sword from Hari Nagar and hid it before carrying out the attack.

According to the investigation, the incident occurred around 12:45 p.m. after the couple's children and domestic helper had left the house.

Police said Kamal first attacked Komal from behind with the blunt side of the sword while she was hanging clothes on the balcony. When she screamed and tried to escape, she ran into the kitchen.

Investigators allege Kamal chased her, dragged her into the living room, and stabbed her multiple times with scissors.

Police said the entire attack lasted about 10 minutes.

After the killing, Kamal allegedly packed his bloodstained clothes and the sword into a backpack, took a shower, and fled on his scooter.

Four-Day hunt ends near Mathura

Police said the accused kept changing locations to avoid arrest. Investigators believe he intentionally avoided border areas where police expected him to travel and instead moved toward Mathura.

On August 2, police received information that he was planning another attempt to reach Nepal. He was intercepted near Mathura railway station and arrested.

Officers recovered ₹12.75 lakh in cash from his possession and seized the scooter used during his escape.

However, the sword allegedly used in the attack remains missing. Police believe the accused disposed of it in an attempt to weaken the investigation.

The case is under further investigation.