Additional cops deployed in Chhatarpur after teen’s murder
Delhi Police deployed additional personnel in Chhatarpur in South Delhi on Tuesday after family members of a 17-year-old gunshot victim and residents protested at CDR Chowk. Protesters alleged that the action against the accused was insufficient.
Police set up barricades on roads leading to the area and deployed more personnel to maintain order. Tension continued before the teenager’s last rites. Family members and police argued while the crowd demanded quick action.
A senior officer said they are working to try the main juvenile accused as an adult under the laws for heinous crimes. “There is a legal provision. In cases involving heinous crimes, a juvenile can be tried as an adult. We are making every effort that the main accused be tried as an adult in this case,” the officer said. The protest disrupted traffic in the area, police said. According to a traffic advisory, heavy congestion was reported on SSN Marg and Chhattarpur Mandir Marg. Traffic on stretches towards Maidan Garhi, Rajpur Khurd, Chandan Hola, Dera, Shani Dham, and Bhati Mines is also likely to remain affected. This will be especially true during peak hours.
Commuters travelling through the area were advised to avoid Chhattarpur Mandir Marg and SSN Marg near Y-Point during heavy congestion. They should use alternate routes wherever possible. The victim’s aunt said, “We raised him like our own child and sent him to school. We did everything we could to give him a good life. Today, he is no more. I am his aunt, but imagine the pain of his mother. He was her only son.” She said the family had prayed for days for his recovery. “Now that he is gone, we want justice for him. The person who took his life should face the harshest punishment under the law. We have lost everything. Nothing can bring him back. All we ask is that justice is delivered,” she said.
Many residents, including women, gathered for the funeral. Locals warned of further protests if none of the accused was arrested. The teenager was shot in the head on May 26 in Amar Colony while sitting with friends. He died at AIIMS Trauma Centre on Monday after nearly a week on ventilator support.
According to the police, the boy had gone to an eatery with a female friend after appearing for his Class 12 examination. An altercation broke out involving a group of youths. During the confrontation, one of the accused allegedly opened fire, critically injuring him. The case was initially registered as an attempt-to-murder case. It was then transferred to the Crime Branch. Murder charges were added following the boy’s death. Police said three people, including the juvenile alleged to be the main accused, have been apprehended.
“A fourth suspect remains at large. He is expected to be arrested soon. The weapon and the vehicle used in the incident have been recovered and seized,” an officer said. Police apprehended a 16-year-old alleged shooter on May 28 and also arrested Jai Kumar.
Family members said the teenager objected when some youths misbehaved toward the girl he was with. They alleged the accused returned with a firearm, assaulted him, and then shot him in the head.
Residents said the victim was a student with no criminal record and demanded strict punishment for those involved. Police said the investigation is ongoing and that efforts are underway to trace additional suspects.
