Crime – Delhi Police Head Constable Arrested After Fatal Shooting in Village Area
Crime – A Delhi Police head constable has been taken into custody following a late-night shooting that left a 21-year-old delivery worker dead and another injured in southwest Delhi’s Jaffarpur Kalan area. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, reportedly stemmed from a heated argument, according to officials.
Late-Night Call Alerts Police to Shooting
Police said they received an emergency call around 2:30 am from RTR Hospital, where two young men had been admitted with gunshot wounds. One of them, later identified as Pandav Kumar, was declared dead on arrival. The second victim, Krishan, sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment. Both individuals were residents of Bindapur, and Pandav was employed as a food delivery worker.
Accused Identified as Off-Duty Constable
The accused, identified as Neeraj, serves as a head constable in a local police unit. Authorities confirmed that he was not on official duty when the incident took place. He has been associated with the police force since 2006 and has reportedly lived in the same locality for over a decade. Following the incident, a case was registered and a search operation led to his arrest. Police also recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.
Birthday Gathering Turns Violent
According to investigators, the sequence of events began earlier in the night during a small birthday celebration for a two-year-old child. The child’s father, Rupesh Kumar, had moved to the area around three years ago and was living in rented accommodation. After the cake-cutting ceremony, guests gradually began leaving the gathering.
Around 2 am, a group of attendees, including children, stepped out to the main road to arrange transportation. While some departed, a smaller group remained behind, chatting near their parked two-wheelers. It was at this point that Neeraj allegedly approached them, leading to a verbal altercation.
Sudden Escalation Leads to Firing
Police officials stated that the argument quickly escalated. During the confrontation, Neeraj allegedly pulled out a firearm and fired at close range. The bullet struck Pandav in the chest and passed through his body, subsequently injuring Krishan. The sudden act of violence caused panic among those present, and emergency services were contacted immediately.
Investigation Focuses on Motive and Sequence
Authorities are now working to reconstruct the exact chain of events that led to the shooting. Investigators are examining witness statements and other evidence to determine what triggered the dispute and whether there were any prior tensions between the accused and the victims.
Officials have emphasized that the case is being handled with seriousness, particularly given the involvement of a police personnel. Further inquiries are underway to establish accountability and ensure that all aspects of the incident are thoroughly examined.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The incident has raised concerns among local residents regarding safety and the conduct of individuals entrusted with law enforcement responsibilities. While police have assured that appropriate legal action is being taken, the case has drawn attention to the risks associated with disputes escalating into violence, especially when firearms are involved.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the shooting and any additional factors that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.