A homeless woman was found dead at Sikandra Road near Lady Irwin College in the small hours of Saturday, the police said.
They suspect she died of cold or illness.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Madhur Verma said the officers patrolling in the area found the woman unconscious and rushed her to a hospital where she was declared brought dead.
“The victim, a beggar, appeared to be around 40 years old. It is suspected that she has died of cold or illness but the cause of death will be ascertained only after the post-mortem. Inquest proceedings under Section 174 Criminal Procedure Code have been initiated,” Mr. Verma said.
‘Sold drugs’
One Sandeep Kumar, who said he sleeps on the same pavement as the victim, suspected that she used to sell drugs and was murdered.
“She used to have frequent fights with another woman who too sold drugs on the street. Last night, they had got into a fight,” Kumar said, adding that he was on the same pavement on the day of the incident.
Another pavement dweller Jay Kishan, a vegetable vendor, said it becomes very cold at night.
“My wife, two sons and I sleep here daily. We light a fire at night and have blankets to keep us warm. Some days are harder than the others but we manage. This is both our workplace and home,” he said.
The police after the post-mortem, they will take necessary legal action.