South Delhi doctor held for allegedly killing house help over ‘bad energy’ fears

A 50-year-old dermatologist from South Delhi’s Mount Kailash area was arrested on Thursday for allegedly murdering his domestic worker after claiming she brought “bad energy” into his home, police said.

The accused, Dr. Manish Gupta, allegedly attacked 50-year-old domestic worker Meena Haldar with a cricket bat and later stabbed her with a sharp weapon on the terrace of his residence. Police recovered blood-stained weapons from the premises and detained Gupta for questioning.

According to investigators, Gupta told police that he had repeatedly asked his family to dismiss Haldar from her job but they refused. During questioning, he allegedly claimed that he believed the domestic worker was bringing negative energy into the house and affecting his son’s studies.

“He said he wanted Meena removed from the job, but his family members did not agree. He felt nobody was listening to him and became increasingly upset,” a senior police officer said.

Alleged attack on terrace

Police said Gupta was at home with his son on Thursday morning after his wife, also a doctor, left for work around 10.15 am.

Haldar reportedly arrived shortly afterward, completed household chores and went to the terrace to dry clothes. Investigators said Gupta followed her to the terrace and allegedly attacked her between 11.15 am and 11.30 am.

According to police, he first struck her on the head with a bat, causing her to collapse, and then stabbed her. He allegedly left the weapons near a staircase before returning downstairs.

The crime came to light when a resident of a nearby building noticed Haldar lying in a pool of blood on the terrace and alerted police through an emergency call.

Family seeks answers

Haldar, a resident of the nearby Prakash Mohalla area, is survived by her husband, son Robin and daughter-in-law Saptami.

Her son said she had worked for the family for more than a decade and was known for her dedication.

“She never took leave and was always on time. She worked hard to support our family. Why did this happen?” he said.

According to family members, Haldar had often spoken positively about her employers and had been working at the residence for around 10 to 12 years.

Following the incident, dozens of domestic workers gathered outside the apartment complex and staged a protest, demanding justice for Haldar. Police later escorted her son to the hospital mortuary to identify the body.

Police said further investigation into the case is underway.