A violent dispute over cigarette payment in central Delhi's Patel Nagar area culminated in the tragic death of a shopkeeper and subsequent police encounter that left the main accused with a bullet wound.
Fatal Altercation Over Cigarettes
The incident unfolded on Monday around 9 pm in Patel Nagar's H-block when a group of youths demanded free cigarette packets from Rajender Kumar, a 40-year-old shopkeeper. When Kumar insisted on payment, an argument escalated into violence, resulting in the shopkeeper being brutally stabbed.
The victim, identified as Rajender Kumar from west Delhi's Baljeet Nagar, was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead upon arrival. The senseless killing sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted immediate police action.
Police Encounter and Arrests
Following intensive investigation, police identified the primary suspect as Mohammad Mehtab, a 19-year-old resident of west Delhi's Farid Puri. Acting on a crucial tip-off received on Tuesday, authorities learned that Mehtab was hiding near the Shadipur flyover adjacent to the railway line and planning to flee Delhi.
In a dramatic turn of events, police confronted Mehtab around 9 pm on Tuesday, leading to a brief exchange of fire. During the encounter, the accused sustained a gunshot wound to his leg before being apprehended. A separate case has been registered against him under the BNS and Arms Act.
Disturbing Criminal History Revealed
Investigation uncovered that Mehtab had previously been involved in a robbery-cum-attempt to murder case in 2024 at the Patel Nagar police station, indicating a pattern of violent behavior.
In a significant development, police also apprehended five minors on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in the murder. According to DCP (central) Nidhin Valsan, one of the juveniles had a prior involvement in the murder of two people, revealing the serious nature of the young offenders' criminal backgrounds.
Trigger for the Violent Outburst
DCP Valsan revealed a disturbing trigger for the group's violent rampage. One of the juveniles had been beaten by his father in the morning, causing the entire group to go out "in a fit of rage" that ultimately led to the fatal confrontation with the shopkeeper.
The case highlights growing concerns about juvenile delinquency and violent crime in the capital city, particularly involving repeat offenders. Police continue their investigation while the community mourns the loss of a hardworking shopkeeper whose life was cut short over a trivial payment dispute.
