India, July 9 -- Shock and disbelief swept through the narrow lanes of Majnu Ka Tila on Tuesday after news broke of the brutal murder of a 22-year-old woman and a six-month-old infant. But it was the death of the baby-too young to speak, too small to defend herself-that left the neighbourhood stunned and shaken.

The victims were identified as Sonal, a young woman who had been living with her friend Rashmi Devi, and Rashmi's infant daughter Jasika. Police said Sonal had moved in with Rashmi's family just over 20 days ago after separating from her live-in partner Nikhil, who is now the prime suspect in the double murder.

Residents said the incident occurred in Rashmi's second-floor rented flat, sometime around noon on Tuesday. Meera Devi,...