17-year-old Delhi boy shot in head after argument over ‘staring’, critical

NEW DELHI: A 17-year-old boy is battling for life after being shot in the head during a brazen attack at a market in southeast Delhi’s Amar Colony on Tuesday night, police said.

According to a senior officer, the Class XII student was eating with a female friend when a group of youths brushed against his chair, and one of them stared at them, prompting an objection. The youths left, with one of them saying, “koi baat nahi” (never mind), but returned five minutes later and opened fire at close range. Police said it is still verifying whether the duo was accompanied by other friends.

Police suspect two associates may have accompanied the shooter and are probing their role. While the exact motive remains unclear, preliminary findings suggest the shooting was likely the result of a targeted personal dispute rather than a random act. According to investigators, one round was fired and that CCTV footage is being scanned to establish the sequence of events and trace the suspects’ escape route.

The injured teenager was rushed to AIIMS Trauma Centre and remains critical, while the girl escaped unhurt but is said to be in shock, police said.

Eyewitnesses, however, reported hearing multiple gunshots, triggering panic in the crowded market. “We heard three to four gunshots, and suddenly everyone was screaming and running for cover,” said a local vendor. “The boy collapsed instantly, bleeding heavily, while the gunman vanished into the crowd,” he added.

Senior officers reached the spot and cordoned off the area.

A case of attempted murder has been registered, and multiple teams are searching for the gunman and his accomplices.