Delhi Man Inspired By 'The Staircase' Allegedly Kills Wife, Tries To Destroy Evidence

A 62-year-old software consultant from East Delhi has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife and attempting to conceal evidence by following a strategy he claimed to have learnt from HBO's acclaimed crime series The Staircase, police said.

Alleged attack at home

The incident took place on July 30 while Kamal Singh and his wife, Komal Singh, were alone at home. Their son had gone to the library, their daughter was at work and the family's domestic helper had already left.

According to investigators, Komal was hanging clothes in the balcony when Kamal allegedly struck her from behind with a sword. Police said the blow did not incapacitate her, and she ran towards the kitchen after raising an alarm. Kamal then allegedly dragged her into the living room and repeatedly attacked her with a pair of scissors.

Investigators said neighbours heard the victim's screams, but nobody intervened.

Police track accused

After the killing, Kamal allegedly packed the sword and his bloodstained clothes into a bag, took a shower and left on his scooter. Police said he later disposed of the bag and withdrew money from bank accounts before fleeing with nearly Rs 12.75 lakh in cash.

The woman's body was discovered by the couple's 26-year-old son later that evening.

Investigation and arrest

Police traced the accused through CCTV footage and electronic surveillance before arresting him near Mathura railway station after a three-day search. During questioning, Kamal allegedly told investigators that he intended to destroy the murder weapon to weaken the case against him, drawing inspiration from The Staircase.

Published on: Friday, August 07, 2026, 04:53 PM IST