19-year-old killed as Delhi Police open fire on group of ‘stunt motorcyclists’,one injured

The night checking officer of the PCR unit happened to be passing through the area. The officer,Inspector Rajnish Parmar,was with his gunner,Sudarshan Singh,and driver,Amar Singh.

The police said Parmar made an announcement asking the motorcyclists to disperse. But the motorcyclists reportedly began pelting stones and damaged the PCR van. Parmar then reportedly made another announcement,and also fired in the air with his service revolver. While some motorcyclists dispersed,the remaining continued to perform stunts,said the police.

“The police control room was informed that about 150-odd motorcyclists had begun pelting stones at the police vehicle. While some motorcyclists dispersed,the remaining,including Karan and Puneet,continued to perform stunts. The Inspector fired a shot in an attempt to deflate the tyre of the motorcycle. But Puneet performed a ‘wheelie’ because of which Karan,the pillion rider,came in the range of the bullet that was fired. The bullet hit him in the back,and grazed past Puneet’s waist on the left side,” said Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat.

Bhagat claimed that Puneet later tested positive for alcohol.

According to the police,even after being shot,Puneet continued riding his motorcycle. The police chased him and intercepted the motorcycle at the Gole Dak Khana roundabout. The two were rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia hospital,where Karan succumbed to his injuries.

While Karan was a Class XI dropout,Puneet,who completed his Class XII from Agra,works in a candle-making unit.

Police have asked the Delhi government to order a magisterial probe into the incident.

Ram Niwas,a driver who lives in the area,said: “This (motorcyclists performing stunts) happens almost on a daily basis. Last night,I saw the police chasing the motorcyclists. The motorcyclists started pelting stones,and the police chased them. A large crowd had gathered by then. I did not hear the gunshots as I left soon after.”

Police sources said a passer-by had made a PCR call at 1:56 am,informing that motorcyclists were performing stunts in the area.

The police had set up about 42 pickets in the entire New Delhi district area last night after a special drive to crack down on motorcyclists performing stunts. Police said some motorcyclists were stopped,but they all happened to have their documents in place.