In a remarkable display of forensic investigation, a simple barcode on a shattered beer bottle provided the crucial breakthrough for Delhi Police in solving a brutal attempted murder case in the bustling Karol Bagh area. The evidence led to the arrest of three individuals, showcasing how modern technical tools are aiding law enforcement in cracking complex crimes.
The Violent Assault at Ajmal Khan Park
The incident unfolded on December 15 at Ajmal Khan Park. According to police reports, the complainant and his friends were engaged in creating social media reels when they were confronted by three men who were allegedly consuming alcohol nearby. The trio began misbehaving, and when the victim objected, the situation quickly escalated into a violent physical assault.
During the attack, one of the accused allegedly smashed a beer bottle and used a sharp, broken piece to strike the complainant on the head, inflicting grievous injuries. The injured man was immediately rushed to Dr N C Joshi Hospital in Karol Bagh for urgent medical treatment. The same day, around 4 pm, a formal complaint was lodged at the DBG Road police station, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).
The FIR was registered under serious sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 109(1) for attempted murder and 3(5) for common intent. Given the severity of the offence and a pattern of recent violent attacks in public spaces, the police formed a dedicated special team to investigate the matter.
The Crucial Barcode Clue
The investigation took a decisive turn during a meticulous spot inspection at Ajmal Khan Park. Officers recovered a fragment of the broken beer bottle believed to have been used as the weapon. This piece of evidence held an unexpected clue: a legible barcode.
"The bottle fragment contained a barcode, which proved to be a crucial lead in the investigation," explained DCP Central Nidhin Valsan. "On the basis of this lead, officers visited nearby wine shops, and the source of the bottle was traced by scanning the barcode."
This modern forensic step opened a new avenue. Once the specific wine shop was identified, investigators combed through CCTV footage from the shop and its surrounding areas. The video analysis paid off, leading to the identification of a scooter used by the suspects, which was traced via its registration number.
Arrests and Motive Revealed
Acting on this technical surveillance and subsequent tip-offs, the police apprehended the three accused on December 18. The arrested individuals were identified as:
- Hammad alias Rizwan (22), a resident of Bada Hindu Rao.
- Kamran alias Sarim (24), from Nai Basti in Sadar Bazar.
- Farzan (24), from Old Mustafabad.
During interrogation, the accused revealed that the violent confrontation began over a seemingly trivial issue. They had asked the complainant for a matchbox. When he refused, an argument erupted after they checked his pockets. This petty disagreement spiraled out of control, culminating in the vicious bottle attack.
Police confirmed the recovery of the broken beer bottle used in the crime. They also disclosed that Hammad alias Rizwan is a repeat offender, with over 20 cases of theft and snatching registered against him across various Delhi police stations. The other two accused, Kamran and Farzan, had no prior criminal records.
This case highlights the increasing reliance on technical surveillance and forensic evidence in solving crimes in the national capital. The humble barcode, a staple of modern retail, became an unlikely hero in ensuring swift justice and demonstrating the Delhi Police's evolving investigative capabilities.
