In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through Faridabad, a Class 12 student was shot in broad daylight by a stalker who had been harassing her for months. The attack occurred in the busy Anaj Mandi area, turning an ordinary afternoon into a scene of terror.
The Daylight Attack
The victim, a 17-year-old student, was shopping with her mother when accused Jatin Mangla approached her and opened fire around 2:30 PM on Tuesday. The brazen attack in a crowded market area demonstrates the escalating nature of stalking cases in the National Capital Region.
Immediate Police Response
Faridabad Police acted swiftly, launching a massive manhunt that led to Mangla's arrest within hours. The accused was apprehended from the Surajkund area while attempting to flee the city. Police recovered the weapon used in the attack along with other crucial evidence.
Background of Harassment
Investigations reveal that Mangla had been stalking the minor girl for approximately six months. Despite the family's complaints about the continuous harassment, the situation escalated dramatically, culminating in the shooting incident that has left the victim hospitalized with serious injuries.
Current Condition and Investigation
The young victim is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital where her condition is reported to be stable but serious. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the IPC and Arms Act, with further investigation underway to determine the complete sequence of events.
Community Reaction
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents and women's safety advocates, who are demanding stricter enforcement of anti-stalking laws and better protection for victims of harassment. The brazen nature of the attack in a public place has raised serious concerns about public safety.
This case highlights the urgent need for more effective mechanisms to address stalking complaints before they turn violent, serving as a grim reminder of the challenges facing women's safety in urban India.
