In a shocking incident that highlights rising street crime in the capital, a 27-year-old cab driver was brutally stabbed to death by four individuals, three of whom are minors, in the early hours of Wednesday near Hazrat Nizamuddin. The attack occurred after the driver refused to take the group on a joyride.
A Fatal Refusal Leads to Tragedy
The victim, identified as Kuldeep (27), originally from Ayodhya, was targeted near a lavatory in the Bhogal area. The group, which included one adult and three juveniles, was reportedly celebrating the birthday of the main accused, Imran alias Panwadi (19). Spotting Kuldeep's taxi, they demanded he take them for a joyride, possibly to India Gate. When the tired driver refused their demand, a heated argument ensued.
Under the influence of alcohol and in a fit of rage, the group attacked Kuldeep. They stabbed him multiple times between 4 am and 5 am, leaving him critically injured in the bushes. The assailants then stole his car and drove around the city for the very joyride they had sought, eventually abandoning the vehicle in Jangpura.
Four-Hour Ordeal and Police Breakthrough
Kuldeep lay unattended and bleeding for nearly four hours until passersby finally noticed him under the Barapullah flyover near Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. A PCR call was made around 8:30 am on Wednesday. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Acting swiftly, the Southeast Delhi police, under DCP Hemant Tiwari, launched an intensive investigation. The team scanned over 500 CCTV camera feeds from the surrounding areas. The crucial breakthrough came from footage obtained from a lavatory near a temple in Bhogal.
"Using this footage, we identified the suspects. Subsequently, the adult accused, Imran alias Panwadi (19), and the three boys were found," stated DCP Tiwari. During interrogation, the accused initially gave a false story about an altercation over urinating but later confessed to the actual sequence of events.
Accused Arrested and Evidence Recovered
Police revealed that the adult accused, Imran, has a criminal history and is believed to be the main executor of the murder. Imran has been previously involved in three snatchings and a theft case.
Following the arrests, the police have recovered substantial evidence, including:
- The stolen car used for the joyride.
- Kuldeep's blood-stained clothes.
- The knife allegedly used to stab the cab driver.
The case has sent shockwaves through the city, raising serious concerns about the safety of public transport workers and the involvement of minors in heinous crimes. The three juveniles will be dealt with according to the Juvenile Justice Act, while Imran faces murder and robbery charges.
