Masked men assault property dealer, probe underway

Panic spread in South Delhi’s New Friends Colony on Saturday morning after a property dealer was assaulted by masked men inside Ashoka Park during his daily walk. Police said the victim suffered injuries to his legs, but no bullet injury was found, and the alleged use of a firearm remains unverified.

The incident was reported at around 8.50 am when the New Friends Colony police station received a PCR call about an alleged firing at Ashoka Park. A police team led by the station house officer rushed to the spot to assess the situation.

The injured man, identified as 48-year-old property dealer Nasruddin from Zakir Nagar, was found in pain at the park and immediately shifted to AIIMS Trauma Centre in a PCR van. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari said the attack took place around 8.30 am. “The complainant stated that while returning home after a morning walk, he was stopped by four masked men. Three of them were carrying wooden sticks and assaulted him on his legs without provocation,” the DCP said.

According to the victim’s statement, the attackers beat him repeatedly and tried to intimidate him. He claimed that as people began gathering at the park, the assailants fired two rounds in the air and fled from the spot.

However, police said there is no evidence so far to support the claim of firing. “At the hospital, doctors confirmed that there were no bullet injuries. The victim is stable and is likely to be discharged shortly,” Tiwari said.

The incident caused fear among morning walkers and nearby residents. Soon after, the district crime team and forensic science laboratory experts arrived at the scene. The area was cordoned off and searched multiple times, but police said no empty cartridges or other evidence suggesting the presence or use of a firearm were found. “No empty cartridges were recovered despite intensive searches. During the initial enquiry, the use of a firearm could not be established,” the DCP said.

Police have seized CCTV footage from nearby roads, residential lanes, and entry and exit points of the park. The footage is being examined to trace the movement of the suspects before and after the attack.

A case is being registered under the relevant sections of law. Special teams have been formed to identify and arrest the attackers. Officers said the accused have been “zeroed in” and raids are being planned at possible hideouts. Investigators are also probing the motive behind the attack. Police said they are examining possible angles such as personal enmity, business rivalry, or past disputes linked to the victim’s profession.

Senior officers said the attackers appeared to have come prepared, with their faces covered, suggesting prior planning. The choice of early morning timing and a public park is also being examined. Residents of the area have expressed concern over safety. Many said such incidents have disturbed the sense of security in the locality, especially for senior citizens and morning walkers.

Police officials said patrolling in the area will be increased, particularly during early morning and late evening hours. Additional checks are also being planned around parks and open spaces. “We are taking the matter seriously. Teams are working on multiple leads, and strict action will be taken once the accused are arrested,” Tiwari said.