Minor held for shooting teenager after argument

A 17-year-old Class 12 student is fighting for his life after allegedly being shot at point-blank range following a brief altercation at a restaurant in Delhi’s Amar Colony area. Simultaneously, police detained a 16-year-old boy in connection with the incident.

The accused juvenile was arrested by the Crime Branch in the Okhla area early Wednesday, just hours after the shooting. Police recovered a pistol believed to have been used in the crime from his possession.

According to Delhi Police, the incident took place on Tuesday evening when the victim was dining with friends at a local eatery. During this time, a group of boys passed by, and one of them brushed against the victim’s chair, prompting an argument. A girl was also part of the victim’s group.

Police stated that the group left the scene but returned within four to five minutes, after which one of the boys allegedly drew a pistol and fired a single shot at the teenager before fleeing.

A PCR call regarding the shooting was received at the Amar Colony police station. Local police teams, including the SHO and ACP, rushed to the location, but the injured boy had already been taken to Moolchand Hospital. He was subsequently referred to the AIIMS Trauma Centre.

The victim, whose father runs a laundry service in Chattarpur Enclave, remains in a critical condition and is receiving treatment at AIIMS Trauma Centre, according to his uncle.

Police confirmed that only one bullet was discharged during the incident and that no other individuals were injured. Crime investigation teams examined the scene while multiple units reviewed CCTV footage and technical evidence to identify the accused and his accomplices.

The Crime Branch mentioned that the detained juvenile admitted during questioning that he was involved in the shooting following a heated argument with the victim at the restaurant. The police stated that the accused, who lives in Okhla with his family, is also a Class 12 student.

The victim’s uncle spoke to The Pioneer and claimed that the family has received minimal support from local police after the teenager was admitted to the hospital. The police have not followed up with the family since his admission. “The Mar Colony police are not helpful. We have not received a copy of the FIR, either,” he said. Additionally, the victim’s uncle was uncertain about the series of events that led to the shooting.

Police said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the other boys who were present with the accused at the time of the incident.