Two years ago today, on a chilly morning of 26 October, Delhi woke up to horrifying crime news that sent shockwaves across the nation. The brutal murder of a 30-year-old Swiss woman, whose body was found with a bag over her head and chains around her limbs, exposed the dark underbelly of the city’s crime landscape. As the capital marks the second anniversary of this gruesome incident, we provide live updates on the case that left the country questioning its safety measures.
A Chilling Discovery in South Delhi on 26 October
On 26 October 2021, residents near a farmhouse in South Delhi’s Chhatarpur area stumbled upon a decomposing body. The victim was later identified as Nina Berger, a Swiss national working in India. She was found tied with metal chains, her face grotesquely covered with a cloth bag. Preliminary investigations revealed clear signs of torture, including blunt force trauma and strangulation, pointing towards a premeditated and cold-blooded murder.
Delhi on Edge: The Aftermath of the Brutal Murder
Delhi, a city often in the headlines for crimes against women, was once again under intense scrutiny. The victim’s foreign nationality added an international dimension to the case, sparking serious concerns about the safety of tourists and expatriates in India. Social media erupted with outrage as citizens demanded stricter policing and faster justice. In response to the immense pressure, the Delhi Police formed a special investigation team to crack the high-profile case.
Investigation Unfolds: How Delhi Police Tracked the Suspects
Within days, the police investigation zeroed in on two primary suspects—a 40-year-old property dealer and his accomplice, both of whom were known to the victim. Reports suggested that Berger, who had been living in India for over a year, was involved in a business dispute with the main accused. Police sources claimed that the murder was the result of financial disagreements that escalated violently.
The accused were apprehended after forensic evidence and CCTV footage conclusively placed them at the crime scene. The police also recovered Nina Berger’s phone and other personal belongings from their possession. However, despite the swift arrests, the case has since languished in court, highlighting the systemic delays that plague India’s judicial system.
Unanswered Questions and Public Outcry Over Women’s Safety
While the arrests provided some initial relief, many questions about the brutal murder remained. Why was such extreme violence used? Were there more people involved? Activists and legal experts pointed to lapses in security, especially in isolated areas of the capital. The case reignited national debates about the effectiveness of women’s safety laws and the urgent need for better policing in high-risk zones.
Two Years Later: What is the Latest Update on the Trial?
Two years on from the horrific discovery, the trial is still ongoing. The accused remain in judicial custody, but the hearings have been consistently delayed due to procedural hurdles. Nina Berger’s family, who flew from Switzerland during the initial investigation, continue to seek closure. India’s slow-moving legal system has only prolonged their anguish.
A Grim Reminder: The Legacy of the Nina Berger Case
The murder of Nina Berger is a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities women—both Indian and foreign—face in urban spaces. Despite the public outcry and promises of systemic reform that followed her death, crimes against women continue to make headlines. As Delhi remembers this horrific incident on 26 October, the question remains: How many more such tragedies must occur before meaningful change is implemented?
For now, the chains found around Berger’s limbs symbolize not just her tragic end, but also the shackles of a justice system struggling to deliver timely closure.
Stay tuned to NextMinuteNews for more live updates on this story.
