Seven Held, Including Five Juveniles, for Murder of School Student in East Delhi
New Delhi: The Delhi Police arrested seven individuals, including five juveniles, in connection with the shocking murder of a 14-year-old school student outside a school in east Delhi’s Shakarpur area, an official revealed on Saturday. The suspects, who were attempting to flee the city, were intercepted during a swift operation by the police.
The Tragic Incident
The incident occurred on Friday evening when the Class 9 student was attacked near the school premises. Initial investigations revealed that during a school break around 4 pm, one of the victim’s classmates borrowed a mobile phone and made a call. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abhishek Dhania, the classmate allegedly discussed a dispute with the victim and instructed the person on the other end of the call to “send people.”
At 6 pm, as the school day ended and students exited the premises, the accused classmate waited outside with a group. The situation escalated into violence when one of the juveniles in the group stabbed the victim in the right thigh with a knife, causing severe injuries. The attackers fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Emergency Response and Tragic Outcome
School staff promptly administered first aid to the injured student and rushed him to Hedgewar Hospital. Due to the critical nature of his injuries, he was referred to GTB Hospital, where, despite all medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Police Investigation and Arrests
In response to the murder, the Delhi Police deployed three specialized teams to crack the case. The teams meticulously reviewed CCTV footage, interviewed eyewitnesses, and analyzed technical evidence to identify the suspects. “Our coordinated efforts led to the apprehension of all seven accused while they were attempting to escape,” said DCP Dhania.
The accused included five juveniles and two adults, identified as Saarthi, a 20-year-old college student, and Aman Kumar, a dairy shop owner. Critical evidence such as the blood-stained clothes, shoes of the accused, the knife used in the attack, and its cover were recovered by the police.
Possible Motive
Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack was rooted in a personal dispute between the victim and his classmate. While the exact nature of the disagreement is under investigation, the police are probing whether the attack was premeditated or a result of spontaneous escalation.
Community Concerns and Safety Measures
The murder has sparked outrage and grief within the Shakarpur community, with parents and residents demanding stricter security measures in and around schools. Educational institutions have been urged to bolster monitoring systems, restrict access to school premises, and provide conflict resolution training to students.
Need for Juvenile Reformation
This incident has highlighted the pressing issue of juvenile involvement in violent crimes. Experts emphasize the importance of creating programs that focus on early intervention, emotional counseling, and behavioral corrections to steer young individuals away from delinquent paths.
Beyond the Investigation
While the police are actively investigating the roles and motives of each individual involved, the case underscores a broader societal challenge—addressing youth violence, peer influence, and the need for community-led initiatives to ensure the safety of children.
The Delhi Police assured the public of a thorough investigation and swift legal action against those responsible for the heinous act. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for collective efforts to prevent such devastating incidents and foster a safer environment for students across the city.