An 18-year-old youth was shot dead outside a school in west Delhi’s Ranhola area on Wednesday evening. The victim, identified as Nitin, a resident of Mohan Garden, was rushed to the hospital but declared dead on arrival. Three juveniles have been detained in the case, and the country-made pistol used in the crime has also been seized, a senior officer said.
According to police, a PCR call about firing was received around 7 pm Wednesday. On reaching the spot near a school gate in Ranhola, officers found Nitin with a gunshot wound. He had been shot once from close range while sitting near the gate.
Nitin, a school dropout who was learning carpentry at a local workshop, lived with his family; his father works as a vegetable vendor. The family told police he had gone out for his routine evening walk and had not reported any dispute.
CCTV footage from the area helped identify the three suspects, all minors, who fled after the shooting. The trio was apprehended within 24 hours.
A case of murder (Section 302 IPC) and under relevant sections of the Arms Act has been registered at Ranhola police station, and the deceased's body has been sent for post-mortem.
Investigators are questioning the detained juveniles to ascertain the motive. Preliminary probes are focusing on possible personal enmity or a recent dispute. Police are also examining how the minors procured the firearm. Further details are awaited as the interrogation continues.