New Delhi: Hours after a woman and her three daughters were found murdered in their house in Samaypur Badli on Wednesday morning, neighbours said the kids, between three and five years, were an epitome of carefree innocence, and their parents led a seemingly peaceful life.At least three of their neighbours and relatives recalled having met the Kewats on Tuesday and said they had no inkling of the upheavel that would engulf the family the next day.Rajesh Kumar, the owner of the building where the quadruple murder took place, said the family had moved in four months ago.“The children were bright and joyful, spreading cheer in the vicinity. They used to prance around, and never troubled anyone,” he said, adding that their laughter and infectious energy quickly became a part of the life of the neighbours. “I used to see them often rush out to play, still holding half-eaten chapatis.”A relative of the Kewats said they last saw Anita and her husband at 10.30 pm on Tuesday as they returned from the market after shopping for Holi. They appeared relaxed and happy. There was no indication of the tragedy that unfolded hours later, the relative said, adding, “The couple was also preparing to attend a family wedding at their native village in April.”A person who used to stay in the same building as the Kewats said, “I was going to the market on Tuesday afternoon when I saw the three kids playing. Anita, their mother, greeted me with a smile and asked where I was going. She seemed cheerful and relaxed,” the resident said, noting that the children were well-mannered and polite.The two elder girls, who were four and five, used to attend tuition classes, another neighbour said.Rubi, a relative who used to stay in the vicinity, said she was heading home with her daughter on Tuesday night when Munchun Kewat, the husband, cautioned her against staying out late with the child, citing rumours of kidnappers prowling the area. That was the last time he was seen; his phone has since been switched off.Sushma, another tenant, said the family appeared calm and peaceful. “We never heard arguments or disturbances from their house. They lived quietly, and we had no idea what was going on inside,” she said.Another neighbour said that the family used to previously live in a nearby house before shifting to the single-room unit, for which they paid a monthly rent of Rs 4,000. “I heard there was an argument involving the Kewats, after which they left the previous house and moved here,” he said.
