Couple Arrested in the Murder of a Delhi University Professor Over a Property Dispute

Delhi Police on Tuesday confirmed that they have taken a married couple into custody for allegedly murdering a senior professor from the University of Delhi. The incident, which shocked the academic community, appears to have stemmed from a protracted property dispute over a piece of land the professor owned near the university’s North Campus.

According to a statement from the police, the couple – identified as 42‑year‑old Sanjay Kumar and his 38‑year‑old wife Ritu Sharma – were arrested at their residence in East Delhi after a thorough investigation. Officers said the duo had allegedly confronted the professor, Dr. Anil Mehta, in the early hours of 30 May, a confrontation that escalated into a fatal assault.

“We have gathered substantial evidence, including CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts and forensic reports, that point to the involvement of the accused,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajesh Verma. “The motive appears to be a long‑standing disagreement over a property that the professor had been trying to sell.”

Dr. Mehta, a well‑known figure in the Department of History, was found dead in his apartment on the same day. Neighbours reported hearing a heated argument the night before, followed by a thud that sent shivers down the hallway.

The property in question, a 2,500‑square‑foot plot adjoining the professor’s house, had been the subject of a legal tussle for over a year. The couple claimed they were co‑owners through an informal agreement, while Dr. Mehta insisted the land was solely his. The dispute reportedly soured after a failed negotiation, leading to threats on both sides.

Legal experts note that property disagreements in Delhi often turn bitter, especially when valuable land is involved. “When emotions run high and there’s a perception of injustice, people can act irrationally,” said Advocate Priya Nair, who has handled several similar cases.

In a brief press conference, the university’s Vice‑Chancellor expressed grief over the loss of a respected academic. “Professor Mehta was a dedicated teacher and researcher. His untimely death is a tragic loss for the entire university community,” she said, adding that the institution would cooperate fully with the investigation.

The couple is currently being held at the Tihar Jail, and they have been charged under sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to murder, criminal conspiracy and extortion. Their next hearing is scheduled for next week, where a magistrate will decide on bail pleas.

Meanwhile, the police have urged anyone with further information to come forward, emphasizing that the case is still under active investigation. “We want to ensure that justice is served, not just for the family of the deceased, but for the broader community that looks up to our scholars,” Verma concluded.