• Key witness in husband’s murder case shot dead in armed attack
• Killing raises fears of trial disruption

A 44-year-old woman, the main witness in her husband’s 2023 murder case, was shot dead at close range in Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh on Saturday, in what is suspected to be an attempt to derail the ongoing trial.

Police said the victim, Rachna Yadav, head of the local resident welfare association, was shot in the head and died instantly while returning from visiting a neighbor when two assailants intercepted her.

Investigators believe the killing is directly linked to the 2023 murder of her husband, Vijendra Yadav, stemming from a previous rivalry.

A senior police officer said five suspects, including the fugitive Bharat Yadav, have been identified as responsible for her husband’s murder and are currently on trial, while Bharat remains at large.

Investigators noted that Rachna’s testimony was crucial for the prosecution, and her death may have been intended to intimidate witnesses and obstruct the case.

The perpetrators are believed to have prior knowledge of her identity and movements; one stopped her, asked for her name, and shot her in the head before fleeing with an accomplice on a motorcycle.

CCTV footage captured the incident, and an empty cartridge was recovered at the scene.

Police received a call around 10:59 a.m. reporting a shooting, and found Rachna lying on the road in a pool of blood.

Multiple teams have been formed to examine the scene and review CCTV footage to identify the assailants.

Rachna’s elder daughter, Kanika Yadav, claimed that the killing was orchestrated by Bharat Yadav, noting her mother was targeted for standing firm as a key witness, which the killers feared could lead to the conviction of the accused.

Rachna is survived by two daughters, one married and the other living with her.

Police confirmed they have increased security in the area and are continuing their investigation.