Standing outside the sprawling residential complex of the Jindals in Shahdara— where five people were found stabbed to death on Saturday — a middle-aged man, who identified himself as the nephew of Urmila Jindal (82), one of the victims, refused to talk. “The truth will come out after the investigation,” he said.
When the family was asked about the speculation that one of the motives behind the murders could be property dispute, they broke their silence and rubbished the allegation. The nephew said they’re a big family and they love each other and have been staying together for years. “There was no property dispute between us. It’s a totally false allegation. This is a clear case of theft,” he claimed.
Over 35 members
When asked how the family with over 35 members living in the same complex couldn’t hear the women or the guard resisting the attack, Rakesh Jindal, another nephew of Ms. Urmila said they all live in separate blocks.
“It’s the same complex but we all have our own area of residence with separate kitchens and rooms. It’s difficult to hear across the rooms,” he said.
Explaining his assertion, Mr. Rakesh said that Ms. Urmila has a fourth daughter who is expected to inherit her share of property in case it’s divided.
“This is an undivided property. We all have our businesses and jobs. Ms. Urmila and her daughters were living off the rent they received from other properties. And if the motive was property then why would one kill just three daughters. She has another daughter, her husband and two children in line,” he said.
No police complaint
The family alleged that this is an “attempt to malign their image”. In the several decades they have been living in the area, there has been no police complaint against them by outsiders family members. “We have so many tenants, no one has ever complained against us,” he said.
Though the family doesn’t suspect anyone, they said four-five labourers were working on renovating the area occupied by Ms. Urmila’s family for the last 10 days. “Whitewash was in progress and four-five of them were working. On Friday, the women had a very minor argument with them over an issue. They were working till 8 p.m,” said another relative, Shakun Jindal, adding that they’re not sure whether the labourers are involved.
