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🇮🇳 India /Health & Science

Delhi Doctor Who Killed House Help Was on Depression Meds for a Decade, Mental Health Under Lens as Motive a Mystery

From Hindustan Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • A Delhi dermatologist, Manish Gupta, was sent to two days' police custody after allegedly bludgeoning his domestic worker to death.
  • Gupta's family revealed he had been on antidepressants for about a decade, prompting investigators to examine his mental health as a potential motive.
  • Investigators are questioning Gupta's doctors to understand if a recent behavioral change or trigger contributed to the fatal attack, as there was no prior history of violence.

A Delhi court has placed dermatologist Manish Gupta in two days' police custody as investigators probe the alleged murder of his domestic worker, Meena Haldar. Gupta, 50, reportedly bludgeoned Haldar, 45, with a cricket bat and then stabbed her on the terrace of his home before waiting to surrender to police.

We will also question his doctors to understand if there was a trigger or a recent behavioural change. This might help establish a clear motive.

— Police OfficerAn unnamed police officer explaining the investigative strategy regarding the accused's mental health.

Gupta's wife and son informed investigators that he has been undergoing treatment for mental health issues and has been taking antidepressants for the past decade. Police are verifying his medical documents and plan to question his doctors to ascertain if a recent trigger or behavioral change could have led to the attack. Officers indicated Gupta has suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression for nearly 20 years, but had no previous history of violent behavior.

An investigator noted that Gupta had previously expressed a desire for Haldar's dismissal, a request his wife had disagreed with. This disagreement reportedly angered Gupta, leading to the attack, which investigators believe was not premeditated. Gupta's wife confirmed a discussion about Haldar's employment but denied any further argument.

He said this angered him and he attacked Haldar. He did not plan this.

— InvestigatorAn unnamed investigator detailing the accused's alleged motive and lack of premeditation.

Haldar's son expressed shock and grief, stating his mother worked hard and always spoke highly of the Gupta family. Police are analyzing CCTV footage and awaiting the post-mortem report, which confirmed Haldar died from severe neck injuries. Gupta's custody is intended for the recovery of evidence, including the clothes he wore during the incident.

My mother had been working very hard every day to support us. She always praised the Guptas. Why did they do this?

— Robin HaldarThe victim's son expressing his shock and grief over the murder.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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