Delivery Worker Shot After Finding Loaded Pistol on Scooter Near Rajghat
In a startling incident in the national capital, a 20-year-old delivery worker sustained a gunshot injury after discovering a loaded foreign-made pistol on an unattended scooter parked near Rajghat. The event unfolded on Wednesday, drawing police attention to a scooter without a number plate that concealed the weapon under its seat.
Discovery of the Weapon
Rajkumar, employed with a private logistics firm in Noida, was accompanying truck driver Arjun, a resident of Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, for deliveries in Delhi on February 25. After completing work at Anand Vihar Railway Station, they were en route to Karol Bagh when they learned around 4:15 PM that the pickup location was inaccessible due to a no-entry restriction. Turning back towards Noida, Rajkumar stepped out near Rajghat and noticed an unattended scooter with its seat raised.
Inside, he found a pistol. Rajkumar photographed the weapon and sent the image to his manager, who instructed him to hand it over to the police. However, instead of following this advice, he took the pistol back to the truck and placed it beside the driver's seat.
The Accidental Discharge
Since trucks are barred from entering Noida after 5 PM, the two waited near the Ghazipur vegetable market in east Delhi. While inside the truck, Arjun allegedly began fiddling with the pistol. The weapon discharged, hitting Rajkumar below his right knee. Arjun then drove him to a private hospital in Kaushambi, Ghaziabad, where doctors confirmed a bullet wound.
Pandav Nagar police reached the hospital after being alerted about the gunshot injury. During questioning, Arjun admitted to throwing the pistol into nearby bushes after admitting Rajkumar to the hospital. The weapon was subsequently recovered at his instance.
Police Investigation and Implications
The FIR details the sequence of events, highlighting how the scooter without a number plate initially escaped police notice until the gunshot incident. This case raises concerns about public safety and the handling of firearms in urban areas. Authorities are investigating the origin of the pistol and how it ended up on the scooter near Rajghat, a historically significant site in Delhi.
The incident underscores the risks associated with mishandling weapons and the importance of following proper procedures when discovering suspicious items. As the investigation continues, questions remain about the broader security implications in the region.
