A man employed with the Delhi Police as a constable allegedly shot his wife dead in the middle of a road in East Delhi following an argument during a scooter ride in the early hours of Monday, the police said. According to police, the accused, identified as Manish Bhati, fled the scene after the act, leaving his grievously injured wife on the roadside.

The incident, according to sources, sent shockwaves across the Trilokpuri-Sanjay Lake Metro Station in the city’s Kalyanpuri area, where it unfolded. Eyewitnesses said the couple was on a scooter when a verbal altercation ensued between them, spiralling into violence soon. During this, Bhati allegedly pulled out a pistol and shot his wife, Priyanka, to flee from the spot.

Passersby rush victim to hospital

The incident came to public attention when a passerby, an autorickshaw driver, noticed the woman lying injured on the roadside. Without wasting a minute, he rushed her to the Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Hospital located in East Delhi for emergency treatment.

However, despite medical intervention, Priyanka succumbed to her injuries during treatment. Police confirmed that the victim, Priyanka was aged 26 and was employed as a teacher. Notably, the day when Priyanka met the ill-fate also marked her birthday.

Cops launch probe

In the aftermath of the incident, the locals notified the police after spotting Priyanka in an injured state and witnessing her husband fleeing the scene. A police team, along with forensic experts, rushed to the spot and secured evidence to mount a probe.

The cops identified the accused as Manish Bhati, a constable employed at Delhi Police, who was recently attached to the Anti-Auto Theft Squad (ATS). However, authorities have not been able to clarify the discrepancy regarding his unit.

According to police, the couple had got married 3 years ago and had allegedly been facing frequent domestic disputes. Police suspect the shooting may have resulted from an ongoing marital conflict, although the exact sequence of events leading to the crime is yet to be established.

Probe on, more details awaited

The investigating police personnel are currently persevering in efforts to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the ones which led to the shooting. The accused is at large, and efforts are underway to trace and apprehend him.

The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and are continuing to collect forensic evidence and record witness statements as part of the probe.