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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
Wedding bells and a grisly murder: In a posh West Delhi colony, how secrets unravelled
Winter had arrived, but the real chill was still on its way. The annual wedding season had begun, and the city was abuzz with music and laughter. That morning was particularly cold and dry, with a misty haze hanging over the streets. Abhishek (28) and Amita (28) were out shopping. Their wedding was fast approaching; they would exchange their vows exactly a week later on November 27. Accompanying the couple was Amita's family — her mother, Vandana Bhardwaj, and her sister, Radhika. Their first stop was Khajna Jewellers in Rajouri Garden — the market was West Delhi's answer to South Delhi's shopping hubs like Sarojini Nagar and South Extension. The family watched as Amita excitedly picked up shimmery gold bangles and starry diamond-studded chokers. Amita had been seeing Abhishek for three years now. She had told her family way back in 2013 that Abhishek was the man of her dreams, her life partner. Her family loved Abhishek — he embodied everything they craved for in a son-in-law. Tall and lanky, he had taken over the responsibilities of the Bhardwaj family after Amita's father, Prithviraj, had passed away a year earlier. The Bhardwaj family, meanwhile, lived in a swanky three-bedroom apartment in Rajouri Garden Extension. Abhishek, too, seemed well off. He had told the family, the police said, about his father's contracting business in Bihar. He had bragged about a 'penthouse' his father owns in Delhi and given on rent. He also spoke about a departmental store that he ostensibly owned in Patna. Abhishek would, however, need money for some of his 'ventures' every now and then — especially when his father 'disagreed' with his business plans. According to a police officer, Abhishek had asked for Rs 15 lakh from Amita for a business he claimed he was trying to start in Delhi. In September 2015, he had also taken a loan of Rs 5 lakh from Amita's mother to buy an i20 car. At the jewellery store, it was Abhishek's turn to pay for the wedding finery. After all, he was the groom and was expected to buy his future wife's first set of jewellery for the wedding. Once Amita selected what she wanted, a police officer said, the bill had already crossed Rs 10 lakh. 'At 5.30 pm', the police officer said, 'Abhishek, Amita, Radhika, and Vandana gathered at Tite Da Dhaba for snacks. Amita's brother Deepanshu, 17, also joined them. However, he left soon'. By 6.15 pm, the family arrived at another showroom, Kalyan Jewellers in Karol Bagh. 'Abhishek told Amita he had forgotten his card at home and would quickly fetch it. He left the store immediately,' the police officer said. That evening, Jatin (35), a distant cousin of Amita, was to visit the family. He knew the women were out shopping and Deepanshu was alone, waiting for him at the family residence. But when Jatin reached the Bhardwaj residence at 8.30 pm, he found it locked. 'Jatin called Deepanshu, who didn't answer. He dialed Vandana, who also tried her son's number. There was no response,' a police officer said. Vandana would later tell the police that she then called her soon-to-be son-in-law. 'He was yet to return with his credit card. After the call, he went to the Bhardwaj home, where Jatin was waiting. Soon, the women arrived, the police said. At 9.15 pm, they made a PCR call. When the police team arrived, they had to force open several locked doors before gaining access to the apartment. The Bhardwaj family lived on the second floor of an upscale four-storey building. The entrance to the stairway leading to their floor was locked, prompting officers to break it open. They then entered the gallery, forcing open the interlock on the main door of the flat located at the end of the corridor. Murder most foul A police officer, who was part of the probe, recalled that as soon as the door was opened, they smelt LPG — the flat reeked so strongly of it that even switching on a TV could have burnt the officers to ashes. 'We first looked for the kitchen and turned off the gas. We assumed that maybe the boy was in one of the rooms, having fallen unconscious due to the gas,' the officer said. Deepanshu was indeed found in his own room — he was dead, his head smashed in on the left side, police said. The crime scene, police said, was confusing. 'The curtains and bedsheet were half burnt. It seemed as if the killer planned to burn down the flat along with an unconscious Deepanshu, but it didn't work out,' the officer said. Police found his laptop still switched on right next to his body on the bed. A nail cutter was placed on a side table, with freshly clipped nail pieces stuck in it. A forensic examination of the nail cutter would later conclude that Deepanshu had cut his nails right before his death. 'It was clear that Deepanshu wasn't aware of the danger till he was attacked,' the police officer said. 'There were no signs of resistance. Everything inside the house was untouched. The doors were locked from the outside, which meant the murderer had access to the house keys.' Investigators concluded that the murderer wasn't a stranger. Once police made their initial inquiries, they found Abhishek's absence suspicious. 'We asked the family about Abhishek. We wanted to know where he went once he left them in Karol Bagh. They didn't like it. They were not even ready to consider the possibility of questioning Abhishek. For them, he was the best thing that had happened to their family since the death of Amita's father,'' the police officer said. 'He was like their son, after all'. Of course, the wedding was cancelled. On November 21, Deepanshu's final rites were done after a detailed post-mortem was conducted. Another police officer recalled that he saw Abhishek reprimanding Amita to stop grieving so much. 'Abhishek was very aggressive. He was telling Amita to accept her brother's death. 'The past is past', he told her, and that she needs to move on,'' the officer said. 'It seemed like he was almost berating her for grieving this big loss. This added to our suspicions.' On November 21, soon after sundown, investigators summoned Abhishek for questioning at the Rajouri Garden police station. And after over six hours, he broke down. 'Initially, he denied his involvement in the crime. He told the police that he was getting married and had no reason to harm Amita's family,' a police officer said. The police, however, had looked into his background before questioning him. He was no prince charming, and certainly not a rich man, police said. 'Abhishek lived on rent in Kirti Nagar. His parents lived on Kanti Factory Road in Patna, and his father was an employee in a private firm,' a police official said. He wasn't even an intelligent criminal, police said. He assumed he could get away with murder. 'It's possible that he didn't escape because he didn't want to. He just killed the only male heir of the family. And it helped his case that the women of the house looked up to him,' said the police officer. And once the police pieced together what Abhishek admitted to, they found a story of a man driven by greed from the very beginning. The story unravels It was in 2010 that Abhishek arrived in Delhi from Patna, looking for a job. He soon found an opening at a call centre in West Delhi and was living in a rented accommodation in Rajouri Garden. He soon opened a small travel company, The Travel Express. Amita, Abhishek told the police, joined his company in 2011 as a ticketing agent. He initially showed little interest in her, but that changed once he learned that Amita's father was a property dealer. 'He heard from employees that Amita was working because she wanted to, but was financially well off. He then started talking to her and bragging about his father's contracting business,' a police officer said. During questioning, Abhishek told police that Amita was 'inspired' by his success and fell in love with him. They entered into a relationship and Abhishek started visiting her frequently. His plan, police said, was never to marry her. 'He looked at her as a means to make easy money. He would take expensive things from her and sell them off. He bought the i20 car and sold it. He would come up with elaborate explanations and Amita would believe him,' a police officer said. Abhishek made himself integral to Amita's life, especially when her father became critically ill in 2013. He started visiting the family home regularly and helped them. He would accompany Amita's father to the hospital, fetching his medicines, and accompanying her mother and sister on errands. In 2014, police said, the family conveyed to Abhishek that they wanted him to marry Amita. 'Abhishek was now in a bind. He didn't want to marry her. His aim was only to usurp her money for some more time and then vanish. He even started to find a way to break off the relationship,' a police officer said. But as his greed was insatiable, he couldn't leave. In late 2014, her father passed away — and this was Abhishek's way out. The marriage was postponed, giving him more time to plan his exit. 'Abhishek thought he could get some more money from Amita before he left. But his lifestyle didn't allow him to leave,' the officer said. Come September 2015, and Abhishek was still lounging in the Bhardwaj's apartment, he would tell the police. He never invited Amita to his place, always having an excuse at hand. 'He told her that his friends were often drinking in his flat and she would be uncomfortable there,' a police officer said. By this time, Amita was eager to get married and Abhishek had no option but to oblige. The date was set. Abhishek realised he needed to do something. 'He remembered what delayed the wedding last time. He thought that a death in the family would be the only way to postpone it again,' the officer said. Police said his phone's internet history showed he looked up 'how to kill someone and not get caught'. His research led him to believe that burning someone's body after killing them, along with the scene of the crime, would be the perfect plan, the officer said. 'He knew that the crime had to take place at Bhardwaj family house, as he could come and go as he pleased. He chose Deepanshu as his target on the day of shopping, as he knew that it was a rare occasion that no one would be home — barring the boy,' a police officer would later say. In the evening of November 20, Abhishek left Karol Bagh with the keys to all the locks — which the family bestowed on him with their trust. He entered the house at 7 pm, with Deepanshu welcoming him in and then going back to his room, a police officer said. 'Abhishek then moved around the house and found a bat. He then entered Deepanshu's room. The boy had his earphones on and was playing video games on his laptop. Standing behind him, Abhishek smashed Deepanshu's head,' the officer said. He then moved to part two of his murderous playbook. He set fire to the bedsheet and the curtains, and then quickly ran to the kitchen — across the hall — to turn on the gas, police said. Abhishek expected the gas would eventually spread to the bedroom, fanning the blaze and engulfing the entire house. His plan, though, went awry. 'The hall was so big that the gas couldn't spread in time to spark a massive fire. By the time it did spread, the fire died down,' a police officer said. During questioning, Abhishek told the police that he threw the murder weapon on a vacant plot opposite the building. The weapon was recovered, and so were Abhishek's prints, tying him neatly to the murder. The Bhardwaj family was shell-shocked by the accusations. They continued to visit Abhishek during the court proceedings for a while. They still thought he was being framed, a police officer said. After Abhishek was convicted in 2016, reality set in. Police said Amita married someone else. Abhishek remains behind bars in Mandoli jail.
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
If Charli XCX's mini wedding dress caught your eye, you'll love these from £99
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more When Charli XCX tied the knot with The 1975's George Daniel on July 19 at Hackney Town Hall, all eyes were on her unforgettable wedding look. The Brat singer rocked a gown from Vivienne Westwood's collection – the iconic Nova Cora mini dress, along with a simple veil and pair of Jimmy Choo Amita heels. With a draped, figure-flattering silhouette and elegant yet edgy vibe, this dress had everyone on the internet trying to find something similar – minus the hefty £3,330 designer price tag. FYI, if you are tempted by the bridal mini, consider renting it instead. The Nova Cora is available to rent from £160 per day at By Rotation, saving you a pretty penny. If you were crushing on the mini wedding dress but don't want to rent or splurge on the exact designer piece don't worry as we've rounded up some affordable alternatives that bring all the same style without the cost. The Palace dress from Club L London is a modern take on the classic white mini. Made from premium crepe fabric, with an off-shoulder Bardot neckline trimmed in soft feathers, it's designed to flatter your shape and bring texture and drama without overdoing it. Buy Now for £150 The Nobody's Child Open Back Mini Atlanta dress is made with a soft ivory finish, a square neckline and features a flattering fitted waist and under-bust seams that shape beautifully. The open back is tied with a romantic bow and it's lightly lined so it drapes just right. Atalana is also a slightly longer length which is perfect for tailoring or adjusting to your ideal fit. Buy Now for £180 The TFNC Bandeau Drop Shoulder Corset Wrap Mini Dress in White Hotfix, available on ASOS, has a modern bandeau neckline with dropped shoulders and a fitted corset wrap shape. The subtle white diamonté detailing adds a touch of sparkle that pairs well with simple heels and minimal accessories. Buy Now for £99 The Mila Twisted One Shoulder Mini Dress in White from Lavish Alice is crafted from premium crepe and features a twisted one-shoulder neckline. Designed with a tailored, close-fitting silhouette and a sculpted, tulip-shaped mini skirt, it gives brides a modern, fun look. The discreet side seam pockets come in handy, too! Buy Now for £158 Mint Velvet's White Lace Hourglass Mini Dress is a white lace cut-out mini designed with a cute hourglass silhouette. It features a crew neckline, long sleeves, and a layered bustier, with a zip fastening at the back. This tailored dress combines feminine lace detailing with a structured fit, making it ideal for reusing after the big day. Buy Now for £180 The Rixo Capucine Silk Mini Dress is the perfect party dress for your wedding day, hen do, or any special occasion, really. Made from 100% silk, with a viscose lining, it has an elegant sheen and features a flattering mini length with a statement open back. Designed with a subtle drape and delicate details, it's fun, flirty and sophisticated. Buy Now for £395 The Ultimate Muse Bow Mini Dress from Odd Muse features a structured off-the-shoulder neckline, an hourglass bodice and flared skirt. The tailored style is modern, fresh and a great choice for brides seeking a clean, elegant look with minimal fuss. Buy Now for £175 The Reformation Zenni Dress is a sleek, minimalist gown made from sustainable fabric. It features a fitted silhouette with a boat neckline and back zipper. The non-adjustable straps are thick enough to cover your bra straps, too. Lightweight and breathable, this dress works well for more casual weddings. Buy Now for £361 Charli xcx's Vivienne Westwood Nova Cora mini dress shows that bridal fashion doesn't have to be 100% traditional – it can be bold, playful, and more inlined with your own personal style. And with affordable alternatives out there, you can rock the same mini wedding dress vibe without the designer price. MORE: Discover Nobody's Child's stunning new bridal collection for 2025 brides and bridesmaids MORE: Calling all brides-to-be! Here's how to curate the perfect hen-drobe and best outfits MORE: One P. Louise skincare base is sold every minute – and it's your multitasking beauty essential
NDTV
02-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Can You Have Mayonnaise On A Weight Loss Diet? Here's What You Need To Know
Mayonnaise is a crowd-pleaser, isn't it? Whether it's in a juicy burger, a savoury pizza or a creamy pasta dish, it has the magic to instantly elevate the flavour. Wouldn't you agree? Its rich and creamy texture makes food irresistibly delicious. While we love adding mayonnaise to our meals, have you ever stopped to think if it's healthy for you? Can you indulge in it on a weight loss diet? These are some important questions to address. Recently, nutritionist Amita Gadre shared the truth about mayonnaise on her official Instagram page. Read on to find out! Also Read: 5 Tips To Make Perfect Eggless Mayonnaise At Home Is Mayonnaise Good For Weight Loss? According to Amita, you could be serving up high cholesterol on a plate by eating mayonnaise. One tablespoon of mayonnaise (15g) contains approximately 8g of fat, which is more than 50% fat. And yet, mayonnaise is consumed like ketchup or a harmless bread spread, when in fact it should be eaten with as much caution as butter or other high-fat foods. She gives the example of a burger, saying that the deep-fried patty, cheese and mayonnaise together amount to more than 25g of fat in one serving - that's the total recommended daily fat intake. Is It Okay To Eat Mayonnaise Once In A While? While it's okay to indulge in mayonnaise occasionally, it's essential to be mindful of portion sizes and overall calorie intake. If you're watching your weight or managing health conditions, it's best to limit your mayonnaise consumption to special occasions or try healthier alternatives. What Are Some Healthy Alternatives To Mayonnaise? If you're looking for healthier alternatives to mayonnaise, consider these options: Avocado spread Greek yoghurt Hummus Mustard or vegan mayo Watch the full video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amita Gadre | Nutritionist (@amitagadre) Is Mayonnaise Bad For Your Heart Health? Yes, mayonnaise can be bad for your heart health due to its high fat and calorie content. Consuming excessive mayonnaise can lead to weight gain, increased cholesterol levels and a higher risk of heart disease. So, it's best to enjoy mayonnaise in moderation. What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Eating Mayonnaise? If you stop eating mayonnaise, you may notice positive changes in your body. Reducing calorie and fat intake can lead to weight loss, while lower saturated fat consumption can help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol levels. Some people may also experience better digestion and reduced bloating. Also Read:
NDTV
19-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Are Potatoes Good Or Bad For Diabetics? An Expert Says This...
Potatoes are among the most widely consumed vegetables globally. They can also be cooked in a myriad of ways, making them super versatile. Whether you prefer them boiled, fried, roasted or baked - they taste delicious in all these forms. While potatoes are a go-to for many of us, some avoid them completely, thinking they're not healthy. Diabetics are especially particular, as they fear that eating potatoes can cause a spike in their blood sugar levels. But is this really true? Should you exclude the humble potato entirely from your diet? Recently, nutritionist Amita Gadre took to her Instagram page to reveal the truth and clear the confusion once and for all. Also Read: Diabetes Diet: 6 Diabetic-Friendly Sabzis You Can Make For A Hearty Lunch Can A Diabetic Eat Potatoes? So, now the question arises: can potatoes be a part of a diabetes diet? Amita explains that potatoes contain complex carbohydrates, but they primarily consist of starch, which gets digested quickly. Whether you enjoy them boiled, par-boiled, fried or in any other form, the starch in them breaks down rapidly, causing a spike in blood sugar levels. Due to this reason, she recommends diabetics avoid or limit their intake of potatoes. What's The Healthiest Way To Consume Potatoes? The healthiest way to enjoy potatoes is by baking, roasting, par-boiling or boiling them. These methods help preserve their nutrients and avoid adding unhealthy fats. However, this doesn't mean they won't cause any spikes in your blood sugar levels. According to the nutritionist, the basic nature of starch persists even if you use a healthy cooking method. To prevent spikes in blood sugar, she suggests pairing potatoes with vegetables or a source of protein. Check out the full video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amita Gadre | Nutritionist (@amitagadre) Which Potatoes Are Best For Diabetes? The market is filled with different varieties of potatoes, and deciding which one is the best option for you can be tricky. For diabetics, sweet potatoes and waxy potatoes like Carisma and Nicola are considered better choices. They have a lower glycaemic index (GI) and contain less starch compared to white potatoes like Russet. How To Make Potatoes Insulin Resistant? To make potatoes more suitable for insulin resistance, opt for baking, boiling or roasting instead of frying, and pair potatoes with protein-rich foods or veggies to balance out carbs. Eating smaller portions and adding herbs and spices for flavour can also help manage carb intake and make potatoes a part of an insulin-resistant diet. Also Read: Diabetics can still enjoy potatoes by being smart about the type, amount and cooking method.
NDTV
30-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Does Drinking Cold Water Lead To Weight Gain? Hear It From An Expert
Water is the ultimate thirst quencher, but while some of us drink it with ease, others struggle to meet their daily quota. And then there are the myths surrounding water that can leave us confused! One of the most popular misconceptions is that drinking cold water can lead to weight gain - but is this myth or reality? Recently, nutritionist Amita Gadre set the record straight on her Instagram handle, revealing the truth. The reality may not be what you think it is, and it's time to get the facts right! Let's dive in and uncover the truth behind this common myth. Also Read: Is It Safe To Drink Bottled Water Kept In Your Car? The Answer May Surprise You The Truth About Cold Water And Weight Gain According to Amita, water is a weight loss wonder, boasting zero calories. The myth that cold water makes your body store fat is just that - a myth. She points out that drinking cold water won't freeze your fat cells, just as sipping warm water won't melt them away. The real goal is to stay hydrated, plain and simple. Without enough water, you'll feel sluggish and your metabolism might take a hit. Amita advises focusing on drinking enough water, rather than obsessing over its temperature. So, go ahead and enjoy that cold glass of water, it won't sabotage your weight loss efforts. Watch the full video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amita Gadre | Nutritionist (@amitagadre) Other Common Questions About Cold Water And Weight Gain: 1. Is Drinking Cold Water Good For Your Digestive System? Not really. Cold water, like other chilled treats, can dampen your digestive fire (agni) and isn't good for your digestive system. To maintain optimal digestion, it's best to stick to lukewarm water. 2. How Much Water Should One Drink In A Day? According to consultant nutritionist Rupali Datta, aim for 35 ml of water per kilogram of body weight. The goal is to stay hydrated and feel your best. 3. Does Cold Water Have Any Side Effects On The Body?
