Delhi Lounge Shooting Sparks Conflicting Claims: Revenge or Money Dispute?
In a shocking incident that has gripped northeast Delhi, a 24-year-old man was fatally shot at a popular lounge and café late Friday night. The case has taken a dramatic turn with the emergence of an Instagram video where an alleged shooter claims responsibility, presenting a narrative starkly different from the victim's family's version of events.
The Fatal Shooting at Mr King Lounge and Café
The tragic event unfolded around 10:28 PM on Friday at Mr King Lounge and Café located in the Maujpur area of northeast Delhi. According to police reports, a confrontation between individuals escalated rapidly, culminating in gunfire. The victim, identified as Faizan (also known as Fazzi), a resident of the Welcome neighborhood who worked as a car cleaner, sustained critical injuries in the shooting.
Faizan was immediately rushed to GTB Hospital for emergency medical attention. However, doctors at the hospital declared him brought dead upon arrival, confirming the severity of the attack. Preliminary investigations indicate that the shooting was not a random act but stemmed from underlying tensions between the parties involved.
Instagram Video: Alleged Shooter Claims Revenge Motive
Hours after the shooting, a video surfaced on the social media platform Instagram, adding a complex layer to the investigation. In this video, a man claiming to be the shooter asserts that the killing was an act of personal revenge. He specifically states that the motive was retaliation for an assault allegedly perpetrated by Faizan against him four to five months ago.
The individual in the video emphatically denies acting on anyone else's behalf, insisting the action was solely due to old enmity. Furthermore, he explicitly rules out the involvement of his father or any associates, attempting to isolate the incident as a personal vendetta. This claim directly challenges other potential narratives being explored by authorities and the victim's family.
Family's Counter-Claim: A Dispute Over Money
In stark contrast to the Instagram narrative, the family of the deceased, Faizan, has presented a completely different account. His brother, Salman, has publicly disputed the revenge claim, alleging that the murder was fundamentally linked to a financial dispute. According to Salman, Faizan owed a significant sum of money to a father-son duo who had been persistently pressuring him for repayment.
Salman provided harrowing details to the media, stating that police informed him Faizan was shot three times—once in the head and twice in the chest. He mentioned that nearly two magazine rounds were fired during the altercation. Cuts on Faizan's hands suggested he attempted to resist the attackers, indicating a violent struggle at the scene.
Adding to the family's allegations, Salman revealed that Faizan had left their home around 7:30 PM to visit the lounge, which he described as being owned by friends. He also claimed that the alleged shooter and his father had threatened the family approximately five to six months prior, leading them to file a formal complaint at the Bhajanpura police station. Salman believes the Instagram video is a fabricated attempt to shield the father from culpability in the crime.
Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Delhi Police investigators are now meticulously examining both conflicting accounts. Authorities have confirmed they are analyzing the Instagram video to verify its authenticity and contents. The probe is considering all possible angles, including the family's allegations of a monetary dispute and the video's claims of revenge.
A formal case of murder has been registered at the Welcome police station. The charges have been filed under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with relevant provisions of the Arms Act for the illegal use of firearms. The dual narratives have complicated the investigation, requiring police to sift through evidence, witness statements, and digital footprints to establish the true motive behind this brutal killing.
The case highlights the growing challenges law enforcement faces in the digital age, where social media can instantly broadcast one side of a story, potentially influencing public perception and investigative trajectories. As the probe continues, the community in northeast Delhi remains on edge, awaiting clarity and justice for Faizan.