After allegedly murdering the victim, Meena, police said, was captured on CCTV cameras wearing fresh clothes and carrying a backpack while leaving the house around 7.30 am.The interrogation of the accused in the murder of the IRS officer’s daughter has revealed that the locker in the house could be accessed only through the fingerprints of one of three individuals: the officer, his wife, or their daughter. He allegedly asked the victim to open the locker, but she refused. When he tried to force her, she resisted, sources said.“It was at this point that he picked up a heavy, showpiece-like object and struck her, causing her to fall to the ground,” a police officer said.Officials involved in the interrogation told The Indian Express that robbery appeared to be the primary motive. They also said the crime was driven largely by financial distress stemming from online gambling losses, with the situation escalating into a brutal assault inside the victim’s home.According to sources, the accused had accumulated a debt of around Rs 7 lakh due to online gambling, and the deadline to repay the amount was fast approaching. “In an attempt to arrange money, he first mortgaged his mobile phone and obtained Rs 10,000, which he subsequently lost in another gaming session. With mounting pressure, he then decided to target the residence of the IRS officer,” a senior police official said.The nature of the accused’s statements raised further concerns, officials said. “His conversations give the impression that he is a sexual maniac. After she fell, he seemed to have taken advantage of the situation and assaulted her,” an officer said.“After the assault, the accused allegedly searched the house and found a screwdriver, which he used to break open the locker. He then decamped with the cash,” a source said.Police said the accused fled the scene and took an autorickshaw to Palam Railway Station, intending to leave the city. However, after missing his train, he checked into a nearby hotel, where he was later tracked down and arrested by the police. The weapon used in the crime has also been recovered, officials said, adding that further investigation is underway.Sakshi Chand is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in investigative journalism, she is a leading voice on crime, the prison system, and institutional governance in the National Capital. Professional Background Specialization: Her reporting focus includes high-stakes crime, national security, prison reforms, and traffic governance. Key Coverage: She has been on the frontlines of major events such as the 2G spectrum case, the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, and communal clashes across Uttar Pradesh (Kasganj, Aligarh). Earlier Career: Before joining The Indian Express, she was a reporter for The Times of India. Personal Interests: Outside of her career in journalism, Sakshi is a National-level basketball player and coach, bringing a unique sporting discipline to her professional life. Major Recent Coverage (Late 2025) Her reporting in the latter half of 2025 has been dominated by a major terror investigation and administrative accountability: 1. The Red Fort Blast Investigation Throughout November and December 2025, Sakshi led the coverage of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort: Forensic Breakthroughs: She reported on the use of TATP and ammonium nitrate in the IED and identified the shops where raw materials were sourced (Nov 14-16, 2025). The "i20 Route": She meticulously tracked the journey of the vehicle used in the blast, tracing it to a Pulwama-based resident who entered Delhi via the Badarpur toll plaza (Nov 12, 2025). Victim Support: She recently reported on the Delhi Police providing a list of damaged vehicle owners to the Finance Ministry to expedite insurance claims for those caught in the blast (Dec 4, 2025). 2. Crime & Police Accountability "Crackdown on Extortion Gangs": In December 2025, she reported on a syndicate that was blackmailing traffic cops. Following five arrests, the Special CP directed officers to report all such attempts (Dec 12, 2025). "Corruption in the Ranks": She covered the arrest of five Delhi Police personnel by the Vigilance branch following a wave of public complaints (May 19, 2025). Cold Cases & International Murders: She has extensively tracked the case of a man who allegedly killed his wife in London and fled to India, reporting on his "Proclaimed Offender" status and the denial of his anticipatory bail (May 2025). 3. Governance & Public Policy "13,000 Homes for 90,000 Cops": A data-driven feature on why the majority of Delhi Police personnel are forced to live on rent despite the city's housing projects (May 4, 2025). Traffic Decongestion: Using her interest in urban logistics, she detailed how the Traffic Police eased congestion on Vikas Marg by switching off signals and creating U-turns (April 2, 2025). Signature Style Sakshi Chand is known for a data-driven and investigative approach. She frequently uses forensic reports, CCTV analysis, and administrative data to go beyond the "official version" of a crime story. Her work in prison reporting is particularly noted for highlighting the legal and humanitarian conditions of foreign detention centers and local jails. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Delhi crime