New Delhi: The murder of Delhi University assistant professor Debosmita Paul inside her East Delhi apartment has sent shockwaves through the academic community, with investigators now examining CCTV footage that reportedly captured two masked visitors entering her residence shortly before the crime.

Paul, an assistant professor at Shivaji College, University of Delhi, was found dead inside a flat in Satyam Apartments, Vasundhara Enclave, where she had been living alone. The discovery was made after her elder sister, Devarati Paul, grew concerned when repeated phone calls went unanswered and eventually alerted police.

According to investigators, a call was received at New Ashok Nagar Police Station around 2:35 pm on Thursday, reporting that the professor had been found dead. Devarati Paul told police that her sister was not responding to calls and that the apartment had remained locked from the outside since morning. Fearing something was wrong, she broke open the lock and entered the flat, where she found Debosmita Paul lying in a pool of blood.

Brutal Attack Inside Locked Apartment

Preliminary forensic findings indicate that the 42-year-old academic was subjected to a violent attack. Police said she sustained a deep head injury consistent with a blow from a heavy blunt object, while the veins in one of her wrists were found severed. Investigators have also reportedly noted injuries on her hands, suggesting she may have attempted to defend herself during the assault.

The body was sent to Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Hospital for post-mortem examination. Police subsequently registered a murder case and formed multiple teams to investigate the crime.

Authorities have ruled out robbery as an immediate motive. Cash, jewellery and other valuables inside the flat were found untouched, indicating that the perpetrators may have had a more personal objective.

CCTV Footage Reveals Two Masked Visitors

A major breakthrough in the investigation emerged after police reviewed CCTV footage from the gated residential complex.

According to sources, investigators believe Paul was murdered on June 3, a day before her body was discovered.

Footage reportedly shows three individuals arriving at the housing society in a private cab at around 3:20 pm on June 3. Two of them—a man and a woman—were allegedly wearing masks and carrying bags.

Investigators say the pair chose to use the staircase instead of the lift while entering the building. Roughly 30 minutes later, they were seen leaving the premises. Sources cited in the investigation claim the two individuals appeared to have changed their clothes before exiting.

The third person, identified as the cab driver, allegedly remained inside the vehicle during the visit.

Police have detained and questioned the driver and obtained ride details in an effort to identify the masked passengers.

No Signs of Forced Entry

One of the most significant findings in the case is the absence of any sign of forced entry into the apartment.

Investigators believe Paul likely knew the person or persons who entered her home and may have willingly allowed them inside. The possibility of a "friendly entry" has become a central focus of the probe.

Since Satyam Apartments is a gated residential complex where visitor movements are recorded, police are examining entry and exit logs, CCTV footage, phone records, and digital communications to reconstruct the professor's final hours.

Officers are also questioning neighbours, domestic staff and individuals known to the victim.

Personal and Professional Angles Under Scrutiny

Police are exploring multiple possible motives, including personal and professional disputes.

Investigators have learned that Paul had been separated from her husband since 2022, following domestic disagreements. The couple had married approximately five years earlier, and her husband currently resides in Bengaluru. Reports indicate that ongoing divorce-related issues are among the angles being examined by investigators, although no conclusions have been reached.

Authorities are also looking into her professional life and recent interactions.

According to reports, the day she is believed to have been killed was particularly significant in her career. Paul was scheduled to appear for a promotion interview and had reportedly continued managing personal responsibilities, including arranging medicines for her mother, before communication with family members ceased.

Police are analysing call detail records and other digital evidence to identify anyone who may have met or contacted her shortly before her death.

Academic Community in Shock

The killing has deeply affected students, colleagues and members of Delhi University's academic fraternity.

Known for her dedication to teaching and student welfare, Debosmita Paul was widely respected by those who worked and studied with her. News of her death has triggered an outpouring of grief across university circles, with many remembering her as a committed educator and mentor.

The tragedy has also reignited concerns over safety within gated residential communities, particularly after investigators indicated that the perpetrators may have entered and exited the premises without raising suspicion.

Investigation Continues

Delhi Police say they have developed several leads and are optimistic about identifying the perpetrators. Investigators are currently relying on CCTV evidence, ride-hailing records, forensic findings, visitor logs and witness statements to piece together the sequence of events.

As the post-mortem report and forensic analyses are awaited, authorities continue to pursue all possible angles in what has become one of the most disturbing crimes involving a university faculty member in the national capital in recent years.

For now, the murder of Debosmita Paul remains an unfolding mystery—one that police hope the footage of the two masked visitors will ultimately help solve.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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