Radhika's killer possibly stalked her for 3 years

New Delhi: The man who shot Radhika Tanwar knew her well, said the Delhi Police today, as it released a sketch of him.  The suspect allegedly lives near the college students' family and had been stalking her for three years. (Read: Who killed Radhika Tanwar?)

The second-year student was shot outside her college in Dhaula Kuan yesterday with a country-made gun as she was crossing a pedestrian bridge.

It was 10:20 am and there were hundreds of people on the busy road, but her killer managed to run away. HGS Dhaliwal, Deputy Commissioner of Police for South Delhi, said nobody tried to rush her to hospital till a constable showed up ten minutes after the shooting, and moved her to hospital in a rickshaw. The delay may have been crucial.

The callousness that witnesses showed towards Radhika has been exacerbated by people refusing to share information on what they saw or heard.

Mr Dhaliwal appealed to people to come forward with information. "It is unfortunate that there is no eyewitness. It is not possible that no one saw the assailant. We request eyewitnesses to come forward, so that we can get a more accurate description of the assailant, and catch (him) as soon as possible." 

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But Mr Dhaliwal says that questioning of the student's family and friends suggests that her murderer had tried for the last three years to harass Radhika into returning his attention and affection. The Tanwars did not file a complaint against this young man. "The boy has been following her and had discussed her with his friends. Her family had also threatened him at that time," said Mr Dhaliwal.

Yesterday, Radhika's brother told reporters that his family was not aware of anyone who may have had a motive for shooting her.

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Today, her grieving mother said that Radhika was a cheerful and fearless girl. One of Radhika's three siblings said Radhika  aspired to someday qualify as an MBA. (Watch: My daughter was not scared of anyone, says Radhika's mother)

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit visited Radhika's family this morning.  "We told her it has been 24 hours... now we want the culprit caught," said Radhika's father. The Chief Minister assured him of prompt action and said Radhika's killing was 'a matter of grave concern'. (Read & Watch: Sheila Dikshit meets murdered college girl's family, assures justice)

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Hundreds of students in Delhi marched from the South Campus to India Gate, voice and the lack of safety for women in Delhi.

"We just don't feel safe," said one young woman.  Another added, "We cannot have another Radhika." (Read & Watch: Students march against college girl shooting)

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