Delhi horror: Four teenagers held over gang-rape, murder of 16-year-old girl; here's how police cracked the case

A 19-year-old man and three minors have been held in connection with the gang-rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl in north Delhi, police announced on Thursday, according to a report by Hindustan Times. The victim's body was discovered in a field in Swaroop Nagar on September 13, reportedly concealed under leaves and covered in mud.

She had sustained multiple stab wounds, with investigators finding two knives allegedly linked to the crime. The girl, who had dropped out of school and lived alone while seeking employment to support her family, was acquainted with one of the suspects, a 17-year-old, who allegedly sexually assaulted her on September 10. After she threatened to report the incident, the suspects allegedly called their friends, brought her to the field, and proceeded to stab her multiple times early on September 11.

Police stated that everyone involved was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crime. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on determining the precise role of each person apprehended, examining forensic and technical evidence, and reconstructing the sequence of events. The recovered exhibits, including the knives and clothing, have been preserved for forensic examination.

Police have registered a case for murder, rape, and destruction of evidence based on the preliminary investigation and post-mortem findings.