'I asked for Rs 600, they paid me Rs 300': How payment dispute turned deadly for elderly couple, house help in Dehradun

DEHRADUN: An 80-year-old retired works manager at an ordnance factory in Dehradun was allegedly murdered along with his wife and their house help at their home on Tuesday.Police arrested Raj Kumar, a plumber from Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor who had been working in Dehradun for around five years, in connection with the killings.The victims were identified as Ramesh Kapoor, his wife Rajni, 75, and their house help Tilya Devi, 48. Police said all three were stabbed with a screwdriver.Plumber called for repair workDehradun SSP Pramendra Dobal said Kumar told police that he had been called to the Kapoors’ home in the Raipur area for plumbing work.According to the SSP, Kumar had carried out plumbing jobs for the couple in the past. After completing the work on Tuesday, he allegedly argued with Kapoor over payment.“Hearing the commotion, house help Tilya tried to stop Raj Kumar but he stabbed her too with a screwdriver...” Dobal said.Police said Kumar then allegedly fled with a gold chain belonging to the couple.Neighbours chased man in blood-stained clothesVishal Rana, a neighbour who took the victims to hospital, said the incident took place around 2.30pm.“We saw a man hastily walking away in the blood stained clothes. Locals chased him and caught him. A screwdriver was found near the victims which is believed to be the murder weapon,” Rana said.Police said Kumar was subsequently arrested and an FIR was registered against him under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’s murder provision on a complaint by Tilya’s family.Accused cites payment disputeSpeaking to reporters, Kumar claimed the dispute was over the amount he was paid for the plumbing work.“I asked for Rs 600, they were paying me Rs 300, so I stabbed them with screwdriver,” he said.Couple’s sons live in Pune, DelhiThe Kapoors had two sons, who live in Pune and Delhi. Tilya, who was from Bihar, was the mother of four children.Police are examining the evidence recovered from the house and questioning Kumar as part of the investigation.Stay updated with the latest Dehradun news. Download the TOI App.