An 18-year-old youth and his father, Khushi Ram, 47, were arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a man in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, police confirmed Sunday. The duo carried out the attack reportedly due to a long-standing enmity.
According to police, Khushi Ram orchestrated the crime a day before his son’s 18th birthday, hoping to exploit juvenile law protections since his son was also involved in the killing.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankit Chauhan revealed that the victim, 56-year-old Lakhpat Singh, had physically assaulted Khushi Ram in 2016 during a property dispute, leaving him bedridden for nine months. Since then, Khushi Ram had been nursing a deep grudge.
Lakhpat Singh was attacked on Friday morning while taking a walk in Vijay Mandal Park, Begumpur. The assailants, armed with a cricket bat and firearm, inflicted multiple injuries including gunshot wounds. Singh was rushed unconscious to AIIMS Trauma Centre where he was declared dead.
Investigators reviewed over 650 CCTV cameras covering a 55 km radius and tracked the suspects through call data records and technical surveillance. The black motorcycle used in the crime, with its number plate removed, was recovered.
The juvenile son was tasked with surveilling the victim’s routine before the attack. Khushi Ram, who has a criminal history including assault and intimidation, confessed to waiting years for revenge.
Police continue to investigate and seek recovery of the weapon used in the attack.
