Mumbai Murder: Man Stabs Ex-Girlfriend in Hospital, Then Kills Himself
Mumbai murder: In a horrifying crime that shocked residents, a 24-year-old man repeatedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend on a busy road near Chinchpokli on Friday morning, chased her into a nearby hospital, and continued stabbing her until she collapsed. Moments later, he slit his own throat, dying on the spot.
The woman, identified as Manisha Yadav, succumbed to her injuries nearly seven hours later while undergoing treatment at JJ Hospital. The accused, Sonu Barai, also 24, was a resident of Parel and occasionally worked as a cook.
Mumbai Murder: Relationship Turned Tragic
Police said the two had been in a relationship for nine years before breaking up around ten days ago. Tensions had reportedly surfaced months earlier after Barai accused Yadav of infidelity when she followed another man on Instagram.
Family members of the accused told investigators that he had been mentally disturbed in recent weeks and had spoken about seeking professional counselling to deal with emotional distress.
Both families were aware of the relationship and had suggested therapy sessions to help them reconcile, but those discussions never materialized.
The Attack in Broad Daylight
According to eyewitnesses, the attack took place around 10.30 a.m. on Dattaram Lad Marg, a bustling stretch between Chinchpokli and Parel. Witnesses said the couple was walking together when an argument escalated violently.
“Within seconds, he pulled out a kitchen knife and started stabbing her,” said an eyewitness who was walking behind them. “She screamed and ran towards Aastha Nursing Home, just 50 metres away. He chased her inside.”
Once inside the clinic, Barai continued his frenzied assault in front of terrified staff and bystanders. Several people tried to intervene—some hurled stones and bamboo sticks to stop him—but nothing deterred him. He stabbed Yadav multiple times until she collapsed in a pool of blood.
When onlookers closed in, he turned the knife on himself and slit his throat, dying instantly.
Chaos, Rescue, and Hospitalization
Constable Kiran Suryavanshi of Byculla traffic division, who was nearby attending an illegal-parking complaint, rushed to the scene after locals raised an alarm. He immediately shifted Yadav and Barai to JJ Hospital, where doctors declared Barai dead on arrival.
Yadav was admitted to the ICU with deep stab wounds to her abdomen, chest, and neck. Despite continuous efforts, she succumbed around 5 p.m. A post-mortem examination has been ordered to determine the extent of her injuries.
Police Statements and Investigation
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4) R. Raga Sudha said, “Preliminary evidence suggests the accused came with intent to kill. Even when witnesses shouted for him to stop, he didn’t.”
Kalachowki Police have registered a case and will file an abated summary report since the accused has died.
Officers have recovered the murder weapon and are analyzing CCTV footage from nearby shops and the nursing home to reconstruct the full sequence of events. Statements from witnesses, medical staff, and family members have already been recorded.
Mental Health and Warning Signs
Investigators said Barai’s relatives mentioned recent emotional instability and depression. He had discussed seeing a therapist but did not follow through. Police sources added that the couple had frequent quarrels over social media activity.
Experts have highlighted the case as another reminder of the need for early mental-health intervention and counselling in relationship-related disputes, particularly among young adults.
Public Reaction and Official Response
The brutal murder-suicide sparked outrage and grief across Mumbai. Locals gathered near Chinchpokli police outpost demanding stricter safety measures for women and faster response mechanisms.
Senior police officials commended Constable Suryavanshi for his quick action in rushing the victim to hospital despite the chaos. Women’s rights activists have urged educational campaigns around toxic relationships, stalking, and emotional abuse.
Authorities are also reviewing security protocols for medical establishments after reports that the attacker entered the clinic freely with a knife in hand.
City in Shock
The double tragedy has shaken the central Mumbai community of Parel and Chinchpokli, where both the accused and victim lived within a short distance. Residents said the couple had grown up together and were well known in the locality.
Police are expected to submit a detailed report to the Mumbai Commissionerate within 48 hours. The final post-mortem findings and forensic report will help establish the number of stab wounds and exact cause of death.
