The man who loved gold and died for it: How a glittering habit led to a brutal murder in Delhi's Rohini

Delhi Jal Board engineer Suresh Rathi (59) was known for his striking fondness for gold. His heavy chains, thick kadas, and numerous rings were not just accessories — they were his signature. His personality gleamed as much as the ornaments he wore daily.

However, this display of wealth proved deadly when it caught the attention of a new acquaintance — a man named Bunty, whom Rathi had befriended at a local paan shop in Rohini’s Sector 24.

A Deadly Friendship Built on Trust
Over time, Rathi invited Bunty to his flat in Pocket 10 for drinks, unaware that this friendship would soon take a sinister turn. Bunty, during his visits, carefully observed Rathi’s apartment and noted the sheer value of his gold jewellery.

His casual curiosity turned into greed when he saw news reports about the surging gold prices. To Bunty, Rathi’s ornaments represented an opportunity — one he couldn’t resist.

Halloween Night Murder
Bunty decided to act on Halloween night, arriving at Rathi’s home armed with a knife hidden in his bag. CCTV footage later showed Rathi entering his flat with a food parcel — completely unaware of what awaited him inside.

Moments later, Bunty attacked him in the bathroom, stabbing him fatally in the neck. After killing Rathi, he stripped off the gold jewellery and fled the scene, leaving behind a gruesome trail.

Murder Investigation and Police Hunt
The discovery of Rathi’s body triggered a massive investigation. His daughter, an officer in the National Security Guards (NSG), and the rest of the family were devastated. The murder quickly became a major talking point in Rohini’s residential circles.

Special Commissioner (Law and Order) Ravindra Singh Yadav formed nine police teams, each probing different leads. "The entry to the house was friendly, indicating that the suspect was known to Rathi. So, a team began to dig deeper," Yadav said.

CCTV Footage and Technical Trail
CCTV footage from the apartment building provided key evidence — capturing Rathi’s final moments and showing a shadowy figure in a black hoodie leaving the premises with a distinctive bag.

Police then began technical surveillance to trace Bunty, but he had turned off his phone immediately after the crime, cutting off all digital trails. Investigators patiently analyzed his call records and IPDR (Internet Protocol Details Records), eventually discovering a number he frequently contacted at night — his girlfriend.

The Arrest in Vikaspuri
When the phone signal reappeared in west Delhi’s Vikaspuri, the police tracked it to the girlfriend’s home. Acting swiftly, they surrounded the house and arrested Bunty without resistance.

"The police found the jewellery and cash. Two mobile phones and a Scooty used by the suspect have been seized," said the Special CP.

Bunty’s background revealed a long criminal history — with his first theft case dating back to 2004, along with charges of assault, rioting, and gambling. He was produced before the court and remanded to police custody.

Greed for Gold Ends in Arrest
What began as casual friendship ended in tragedy, driven by greed and desperation. For Bunty, Rathi’s gold was more than wealth — it became his downfall.

[With TOI inputs]