‘Cop got angry when told about Bihar origin’: Delivery agent shot dead, friend injured as Delhi policeman opens fire after argument

On Sunday evening, Neeraj, posted with the Special Cell of the Delhi Police, was arrested within hours of the registration of the case in the matter, said officers.

According to police, information was received at the Jaffarpur Kalan police station around 2:30 am on Sunday from Rao Tula Ram (RTR) Hospital regarding the admission of two persons with gunshot injuries, one of whom was declared dead. “On April 26, at about 2:30 am, information was received from RTR Hospital regarding two persons admitted with gunshot injuries, of whom one was declared brought dead,” said Kushal Pal Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka).

The deceased, who hailed from Khagaria village of Bihar’s Munger district, was living at a rented home in Southwest Delhi’s Bindapur. His friend Krishan lived with him, said officers.

Police said the incident took place after a birthday gathering was hosted by Rupesh, which was attended by around 20 people.

After the cake-cutting ceremony, people began dispersing. Around 2 am, a group of six people — along with Rupesh – were standing near the house, chatting.

It was then that Neeraj allegedly approached the group and got into an argument.

Rupesh, who claimed to be an eyewitness to the firing, told police that when Neeraj was told that they were all hailed from Bihar, he suddenly became enraged and made objectionable comments about them being outsiders. He then allegedly started boasting about having a pistol worth Rs 6 lakh.

Police said Neeraj, who was allegedly drunk, then pulled out a firearm and fired at Pandav. It is not yet clear if he used his service pistol.

“The bullet pierced Pandav’s chest and exited, hitting Krishan in the abdomen, who was sitting behind Pandav on the motorcycle. Both were rushed to hospital, where Pandav was declared dead,” the DCP said.

Pandav was the sole breadwinner in his family. The deceased’s family claimed that the firing was unprovoked and the accused fled the spot after the firing. Following the incident, his family members and locals gathered at the Jaffarpur Kalan police station, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused and strict legal action. “I want justice for my son. He was innocent and had gone to attend a birthday party. He was working hard to support the family. The accused should be given strict punishment,” his mother said.

Police said Neeraj is a native of Bahu Akbarpur village in Meham in Haryana’s Rohtak and had been living alone in Rawata village of Southwest Delhi for the last 15 years.

Officers said they are probing the sequence of events leading to the altercation. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.