A plumber has been detained after Ramesh Kapoor, his wife Rajni Kapoor and domestic aide Tilaya Devi were allegedly killed at the couple’s home in Tapovan, Dehradun. Police say the violence followed a dispute over a ₹300 payment for plumbing work.

The accused, identified as 25-year-old Rajkumar, was caught by local residents after he fled the house. Neighbours reportedly chased him for about half a kilometre before detaining him and handing him over to the police.

Police are treating the deaths as a triple murder. The investigation is based on initial questioning, CCTV footage and the account of Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Dobal.

Dispute followed plumbing work

According to the police account, Rajkumar reached the Kapoor residence at about 10:30 AM AM. He completed the work by around one:00 PM and asked for a daily payment of ₹600. The family paid ₹300, leading to an argument.

Rajkumar left after the disagreement but reportedly left his tools at the house. Police say he returned at one:56 PM and resumed the argument with Ramesh Kapoor. During the confrontation, he allegedly attacked Ramesh with a screwdriver.

Rajni Kapoor intervened when her husband was attacked. Police say she was also assaulted with the tool. Tilaya Devi, who was leaving a nearby house after completing work, reached the residence after hearing screams and allegedly suffered injuries while attempting to intervene.

Police also allege that Rajkumar pulled a gold chain from Rajni Kapoor’s neck before escaping from the house.

Victims were taken to Coronation Hospital

Residents rushed all 3 victims to Coronation Hospital. Dr Vikrant Sirohi and emergency staff found them in critical condition, according to the report. The medical team said the injuries were severe, while the precise number of wounds is expected to be established through mortem examinations.

Ramesh Kapoor suffered several deep injuries to his face, including a serious eye injury. Rajni Kapoor sustained injuries to her face and chest, while Tilaya Devi was repeatedly injured in the abdomen, according to the available medical account.

The 3 bodies were placed in the Coronation Hospital mortuary. The family was awaiting the arrival of the couple’s sons, and mortems were expected to be conducted possibly on Wednesday.

Police checking accused’s background

Rajkumar has reportedly lived in Dehradun for the past 5 years and had worked at the Kapoor home for about 2 years. He lived with his wife in rented accommodation in Indresh Nagar, within the Kotwali Nagar police station area, and worked as a plumber.

Police are examining whether he has a previous criminal record, whether substance use played any role and whether his police verification was properly completed. The SSP said officials would seek information about his criminal history from Bijnor.

Rajkumar is originally from Banda village in the Kiratpur police station area of Bijnor district. Investigators are also checking whether any record relating to him exists at a local police station.

Family background

Ramesh Kapoor and Rajni Kapoor had retired from the Ayudh Factory around 20 years ago. They later built a home and settled in the Tapovan area.

Their elder son works at the Ayudh Factory’s Pune branch and has a wife and 2 children. Their other son is employed in the private sector in Delhi. The family’s next step is expected to include mortems and further police investigation.

Conclusion

Police allege that a dispute over a ₹300 payment preceded the deaths of the Kapoor couple and Tilaya Devi. Rajkumar has been detained, while investigators continue checking the CCTV timeline, his background and mortem findings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where did the incident take place?

It took place at the Kapoor family’s home in Tapovan, Dehradun.

Q. Who are the victims?

The victims were retired Ayudh Factory employee Ramesh Kapoor, his wife Rajni Kapoor and domestic aide Tilaya Devi.

Q. Who has been detained?

Police detained Rajkumar, a 25-year-old plumber who had worked at the Kapoor residence for about 2 years.

Q. What led to the confrontation?

Police say the confrontation followed a dispute after Rajkumar asked for ₹600 as payment and received ₹300.

Q. How was the accused caught?

Neighbours chased Rajkumar for about half a kilometre after he fled and detained him.

Q. What are investigators checking?

Police are checking his criminal history, possible substance use, police verification records and CCTV footage.

Q. Where were the victims taken?

Residents took the 3 injured people to Coronation Hospital, where they were later placed in the mortuary.