Manipur woman murdered in Delhi as father witnesses killing on video call

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A Manipuri woman was brutally murdered in South Delhi’s Munirka neighbourhood, allegedly by her live-in partner in a shocking case that has exposed a tragic narrative of love, inter-community strife and domestic violence.

The victim, 26-year-old Thempi Khongsai, was found dead in a pool of blood in the bathroom of the couple's rented flat this past Sunday. Her partner, 30-year-old Thangjam Viney Meitei, was discovered critically injured with stab wounds beside her, a knife lying nearby.

According to a TOI report, the couple’s relationship began three years ago in Manipur. Khongsai, who was from the Kuki community and Thangjam, a Meitei man, fell in love and moved to Delhi to build a life together, settling in Munirka. She worked as a beautician while he ran a small grocery store.

However, their life together had reportedly been under strain for over a year. Police sources cited by TOI said that the couple quarrelled frequently over domestic and financial issues. The tension was compounded by Khongsai’s expressed desire to return to her native place, which she was unable to fulfil.

The situation reached its horrific climax on October 12 when, police stated, Thangjam made a videocall to Khongsai’s father. Shocked family members allege that Thangjam forced the father to witness the attack on his daughter. “Thangjam told him that he would kill himself too,” police confirmed.

Upon receiving this desperate call, Khongsai’s father immediately alerted the couple’s landlady, who in turn informed the police. Officers arriving at the scene found the main door locked from inside. After breaking it open, they discovered the gruesome scene in the bathroom.

The post-mortem report revealed the extreme brutality of the attack. Khongsai had suffered a fatal neck injury and was also stabbed in the lungs. The nature of the injuries indicated the attacker acted with a clear intent to kill, causing her to lose consciousness before her throat was completely slit.

The investigation has uncovered deeper layers to the tragedy. Police revealed that Khongsai’s family had initially opposed the relationship due to the couple belonging to different communities, a factor that had gradually frayed her ties with her relatives. As she was not in regular contact with her family, they were unaware of the full extent of the difficulties she was facing in Delhi.

“It appears that the tension between the couple also sparked domestic violence, culminating in this incident,” a senior police officer was quoted as saying by TOI.

Khongsai’s body has been handed over to her sister and will be flown to Manipur for her final rites. On Tuesday, the local community in Munirka held a candlelight vigil in her memory, a sombre tribute to a life cut short in the city she had hoped would be her sanctuary.