In a tragic Diwali incident, two family members were shot dead and a 10-year-old boy was injured in a shootout in Delhi's Shahdara. Police are investigating the incident on suspicion of inciting personal enmity.
Incident overview
Akash Sharma, 40, was approached by a gunman outside his house in Delhi’s Shahdara area on Diwali night. The attacker touched her leg as a sign of respect and opened fire on Akash, his 16-year-old nephew Rishabh, and his 10-year-old son Krish. Akash and Rishabh succumbed to their injuries, while Krish is currently hospitalised.
Delhi Police arrests minor
Delhi Police has apprehended a 16-year-old minor involved in a recent shooting in Farsh Bazaar. Authorities identified him as the mastermind behind the incident, revealing that he hired a shooter for the attack. According to police, the accused planned the murder 17 days ago and had been searching for the target, Akash, for two to three days prior to the incident.
The minor reportedly directed the shooter toward Akash, who had borrowed money but failed to return it, leading to a dispute. Akash, who also has a criminal record, belongs to a family with a history of criminal activities. The minor himself is also involved in other criminal cases, according to police sources.
Police statement and investigation
Police officers responded to an emergency call around 8:30 p.m., and found five empty cartridges at the scene. Preliminary findings suggested the existence of personal rivalry. Akash's mother told police that the suspect visited their street and brought sweets to their house on Diwali mornings. On Diwali, he returned and carried out the attack.
"At around 8.30 pm, we received a PCR call informing that there had been firing in the Bihari Colony and some people were injured. Upon reaching the spot, it was known that Akash (40) his nephew Rishab (16) and his son Krish (10) were shot. Akash and Rishab have lost their lives. In the prima facie investigation, we have found that 5 rounds of bullets were fired," said DCP Shahdara Prashant Gautam.
Eyewitness accounts and family statements
Eyewitnesses said the shooter made the traditional gesture of respect before firing several shots. The police have started collecting information from the family members and are actively investigating the case.
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