Delhi Police Arrests Prime Suspect in Cafe Murder Following Early-Morning Encounter
In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police Special Cell has apprehended the prime suspect in the Northeast Delhi cafe murder case after an exchange of fire in the early hours of Friday. The arrest comes exactly one week after a 24-year-old man was fatally shot inside a popular cafe in the Welcome area.
Details of the Encounter and Arrest
The suspect, identified as Mohammad Moin Qureshi (23), was arrested from the Timarpur locality around 3 am. According to police officials, Qureshi sustained a bullet injury in his left leg during the encounter when he allegedly opened fire at the police team.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Amit Kaushik provided details to mediapersons, stating that after receiving specific intelligence about Qureshi's movements, a police team was deployed in the Trans-Yamuna area. The team learned that Qureshi planned to collect money near Dheerpur ITI in Timarpur to finance his escape from Delhi.
"When he arrived on a motorcycle and was asked to surrender, he allegedly opened fire," Kaushik explained. "After repeated warnings, the team retaliated in self-defence. He was hit in the leg."
Background of the Cafe Shooting
The victim, Faizan, was killed on the night of January 23 inside King Cafe at Kabir Nagar in Welcome. Investigators revealed that the assailant fired multiple rounds in front of people present at the cafe, creating panic among patrons.
What made this case particularly notable was Qureshi's alleged action after the murder. Police sources indicate he uploaded a video on Instagram claiming responsibility for the shooting, stating he had killed Faizan over an old dispute. He subsequently deleted the clip and went underground.
"After posting the video, Qureshi went underground and later deleted the clip," DCP Kaushik confirmed. "We eventually confirmed his identity through CCTV footage from the area."
Motive and Investigation Findings
During preliminary questioning, Qureshi allegedly told investigators that he and Faizan were from the same locality and had a dispute over a Rs 30,000 loan that Faizan had given him. According to police records, Qureshi claimed Faizan had misbehaved with his father over the repayment of the loan.
Upset by this incident, Qureshi allegedly procured a pistol and shot Faizan after learning he was at the cafe. Police recovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol and cartridges from his possession at the time of arrest.
Criminal Background of the Accused
Police records reveal that Qureshi studied up to Class 10 and initially worked at a shop before allegedly turning to vehicle theft. He had been arrested in a theft case last year and had recently been released from jail. His criminal background and recent release from prison appear to have contributed to the escalation of the dispute into violence.
The Delhi Police Special Cell's operation demonstrates their continued efforts to apprehend dangerous criminals in the capital. The arrest brings some closure to a case that had created concern in the Northeast Delhi community, particularly among business owners in the area.
Further investigation is ongoing to determine if Qureshi acted alone or had accomplices, and to trace the source of the weapon used in the crime. The police are also examining his social media activity and financial transactions as part of their comprehensive investigation.
