Pregnant Woman Fatally Stabbed by Lover, Husband Kills Attacker in Retaliation

October 19, 2025

New Delhi: A horrifying incident unfolded late Saturday night in Ram Nagar, central Delhi, where a 22-year-old pregnant woman was brutally stabbed to death in public by her alleged lover.

In a dramatic turn, her husband retaliated, fatally stabbing the attacker, police confirmed on Sunday.

Victim Identified, Husband Hospitalized

The woman, Shalini, a homemaker and mother of two daughters, was attacked while traveling with her husband Akash, 23, an e-rickshaw driver. Akash, who sustained multiple stab wounds while trying to save his wife, is currently fighting for his life in the hospital.

Accused Claimed Paternity, Enraged by Reconciliation

The attacker, Aashu alias Shailendra, 34, a known local criminal, allegedly had an affair with Shalini during a period of marital strain. Police said Aashu claimed to be the father of Shalini’s unborn child and was enraged by her decision to reunite with Akash.

Sequence of Events

According to DCP Nidhin Vansal, the couple was en route to visit Shalini’s mother at Qutub Road when Aashu launched the attack:

“Aashu suddenly appeared and attacked Akash with a knife. However, Akash avoided the blow. He then noticed Shalini sitting in an e-rickshaw and stabbed her multiple times.”
“When Akash tried to save his wife, a violent fight broke out between the two men. Akash was also stabbed, but he managed to overpower Aashu. He stanched Aashu’s knife and stabbed him to death.”

Emergency Response and Legal Action

Shalini’s brother Rohit rushed both victims to the hospital, while police transported Aashu to the same facility. Doctors declared Shalini and Aashu dead on arrival. Akash remains under medical care.

Based on a statement from Shalini’s mother, Sheila, police have registered a case of murder and attempted murder. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination.

Background of the Relationship

Investigations revealed that Shalini and Aashu had lived together briefly during her separation from Akash. She later reconciled with her husband and returned to live with him and their children. Police believe this reconciliation, and Shalini’s insistence that Akash was the father of her unborn child, may have triggered Aashu’s fatal rage.