It didn't take a caped hero out of a comic book to deliver a Sainik Farms family from an armed desperado. A 50-year-old housewife, armed with a small knife and great determination, succeeded admirably in bringing this would-be robber's career to an abrupt end. Exhibiting courage under fire, the wife of a former Davis Cup player killed an armed intruder after he sneaked into their Sainik Farms house and threatened to kill the occupants late on Thursday night. The incident occured at the J-219 Sainik Farms residence of Mr Shyam Minotra who was present inside the house along with his wife Neelu Minotra and daughter-in-law. The family was preparing to retire for the night when Mrs Neelu Minotra spotted a knife-wielding person lurking in the lobby area.
The accused, obviously planning to escape with a huge booty, sneaked into the house a little after 11 pm. However his efforts were thwarted by the alertness and courage of Mrs Minotra who pinned down the accused and stabbed him to death, saving her family from any harm.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) South P Kamraj said, "The accused, identified as Pankaj (22), had entered the house with intention to commit burglary."
The Minotra residence, built on a large 1,000-square-yard plot, was chosen as a "perfect target" by the accused, Mr Kamraj said. The accused then used a ladder to gain entry through the terrace door after breaking open the safety latch, he added. Mrs Minotra's keen eye soon brought the robber's unholy plan to an end. She raised an alarm at which Mr Minotra and their daughter-in-law rushed to her aid. The couple's son was out of the city in relation with some business. The desperate robber now lunged at Mrs Minotra with the knife. Mrs Minotra immediately picked up a kitchen knife from a table and challenged the accused. A scuffle ensued between the two, resulting in the accused receiving fatal stab injuries in the chest. Mr Minotra is a former Davis Cup player and is in the business of carpeting and surfacing tennis courts, assisted by his son.
Said Mr Kamraj, "This has been a great act of courage under fire. We feel extremely proud for the efforts made by Mrs Minotra which will serve as an inspiration for others." Meanwhile, the police are continuing investigations in the case. The accused, who hails from Bihar, was a resident of Devli village in South Delhi.
"We are checking his criminal antecedents," Mr Kamraj said, adding "it is possible he may be involved in petty crimes which may have gone unreported". A case of lurking and house trespass has been registered at the Ambedkar Nagar police station.