Early Morning Shooting Shakes South Delhi Neighborhood
In a suspected revenge killing that has sent shockwaves through South Delhi, a 60-year-old man was brutally shot dead on Sunday morning while on his way to fetch milk from a cowshed. The incident occurred in the Aya Nagar area around 6:30 am, marking the latest violent chapter in an ongoing land dispute between two families.
The victim, identified as Ratan Lal, was ambushed by at least three assailants traveling in a small hatchback vehicle. According to Delhi Police officials, the attackers opened fire on Lal, who died instantly at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.
Background of the Fatal Family Feud
This tragic shooting appears to be connected to a previous murder case from May this year. Police investigations reveal that the conflict began in 2023 between Deepak's family (Ratan Lal's son) and businessman Arun Lohiya's family over a land dispute in their village.
In May 2025, ten rounds were fired at Arun Lohiya while he was driving his Scorpio vehicle near Commander Chowk in Mehrauli. The businessman, a resident of Aya Nagar, was intercepted by alleged assailants and later died at a nearby hospital despite medical treatment.
The police investigation led to the arrest of Deepak (Ratan Lal's son) and another shooter in June, approximately three weeks after Lohiya's murder. During the arrest near Chirag Delhi-Khanpur road, a brief exchange of fire occurred between the suspects and police personnel.
Cycle of Violence and Police Investigation
According to police statements, the animosity between the two families escalated in 2023 when Deepak was allegedly beaten at the behest of Arun Lohiya and his father Rambir. This incident had led to a panchayat meeting in an attempt to resolve the conflict, but clearly failed to prevent further violence.
Dharmender, Deepak's cousin, expressed outrage over the latest killing, telling reporters: "He was a simple man. The dispute was between Lohias and Deepak. And Deepak is in jail. Why take it out on his father?"
Delhi Police, under the supervision of DCP (South) Ankit Chauhan, have launched a massive manhunt to identify and apprehend the shooters responsible for Ratan Lal's murder. The investigation is focusing on the revenge killing angle while examining all aspects of the longstanding land dispute.
The incident has raised concerns about the escalating nature of personal disputes in the capital and the ability of local justice systems to prevent such cycles of violence before they turn fatal.
