Police have arrested Imran, also known as Aqib, in connection with the murder of 21-year-old Muskan Sharma at her home in west Delhi’s Tilak Nagar. The arrest came after a manhunt across three states. During the operation, an encounter took place, and Imran suffered a gunshot injury before being taken into custody. He is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Gym trainer accused in Delhi model's murder shot in legs during encounter
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) August 28, 2026
The man accused of brutally stabbing 21-year-old model Muskan to death inside her rented home in Delhi's Tilak Nagar was shot in both legs and arrested following an encounter with police in West Delhi,… pic.twitter.com/AGS5UPRCgo
The arrest has also brought attention to the harassment Muskan had reportedly faced before her death. Police said her family had approached them in July, complaining that Imran was stalking and harassing her near her home. However, the family did not file a formal complaint. Police said Imran was later sent to a drug de-addiction centre for treatment, but the harassment reportedly continued.
Harassment and relationship under investigation
Muskan and Imran had known each other for around one-and-a-half to two years through a local gym. Police said they had been in a relationship.
Investigators said the chats recovered from Muskan’s phone pointed to a troubled relationship, marked by frequent arguments, harassment and Imran accusing her of cheating. Muskan’s uncle said she had wanted to end the relationship for the last two months, but Imran continued to harass and emotionally blackmail her.
Police are also looking into a meeting between the two at a hotel on 20th August, just days before the murder.
Imran reached Muskan’s home with a knife
According to the investigation, Muskan was alone at her home in Old Mahavir Nagar on Wednesday, 26th August, when Imran arrived at around 5.40 pm. Her mother had stepped out to buy groceries, while her sisters had gone to Chandigarh.
Police said an argument broke out between the two. Imran is accused of strangling Muskan and stabbing her three times in the chest and abdomen. Investigators believe the murder may have been planned as he had brought a knife with him.
CCTV footage showed him entering the building at around 5.40 pm and leaving at 6.05 pm. He reportedly stayed inside for nearly 25 minutes and took Muskan’s mobile phone with him. The phone was later recovered from the roadside.
The family’s domestic help later found Muskan lying in a pool of blood and tried to stop the bleeding by placing clothes over her wounds before she was rushed to hospital. Her friend Aman said he reached the house after receiving a call from Muskan’s sister, but she had already been taken to the hospital.
Imran has drug addiction with criminal past
Police said Imran was heavily dependent on drugs and had spent time at a de-addiction centre. He had also attempted suicide at his rented accommodation around two months ago, following which he was removed from the gym where he worked.
He was also booked in a 2021 case under Section 308 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for attempted culpable homicide not amounting to murder. He was arrested and later released, while the case is still under trial.
Muskan, a fashion content creator and model, was also pursuing her graduation through Delhi University’s School of Open Learning. Her family said she was hardworking and had big dreams of giving her family a better life.
Police are continuing to examine Imran’s movements before and after the crime and are investigating all circumstances that may have led to Muskan’s death.
