In a shocking incident in New Delhi, a 40-year-old shopkeeper was stabbed to death by a group of six युवक, allegedly acting out of anger after a friend was beaten by his father, police said.
The main accused, Md Mehtab (19), was arrested following a police encounter on Tuesday night. Authorities also apprehended several minors involved in the crime.
The incident took place on Monday night in West Patel Nagar, where the accused reportedly approached the shop of Rajender Kumar and demanded free cigarettes. When he refused, an argument broke out, which quickly escalated into violence. The group allegedly attacked Kumar with knives, fatally injuring him.
Kumar, a resident of Baljeet Nagar, was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation. Using CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and criminal records, officers were able to identify the suspects.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Nidhin Valsan stated that Mehtab was tracked down near the Shadipur flyover while attempting to flee the city. During the operation, a brief exchange of fire took place, resulting in an injury to Mehtab’s right leg before he was taken into custody.
He was later admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment. Police also registered a separate case under the BNS and the Arms Act in connection with the firing incident.
During interrogation, investigators found that Mehtab and the minors—reportedly school dropouts from Farid Puri—were operating as a group involved in theft and robbery. Authorities recovered two knives, a country-made pistol, cartridges, and clothes linked to the crime.
Further investigation is ongoing to uncover more details about the group’s activities and possible involvement in other criminal cases.
