Two stabbed to death as family brawl turns ugly

An altercation between two families at Mahendra Park in north-west Delhi took an ugly turn when two persons of a family were stabbed to death and three others were critically injured, police said on Sunday.

The deceased have been identified as Narendra Mishra, 34, and Kuldeep Vajpayee, 22, while the injured have been identified as Narendra’s wife Vinita, 30, Kuldeep’s father Jainath, 45, and another relative Pappu Mishra. 

The family has been residing at Jahangirpuri for the past 20 years. The victims’ family alleged that six men--Anil Sharma, his brothers Sunil and Ajay, uncle Subhash, and cousins Rohit and Babbi -- attacked them with wooden sticks and knives.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed a quarrel over a petty issue began around 11.45 pm on Saturday. Sunil had made a personal remark about the women of the victims’ family and an altercation ensued,” said Romil Baaniya, additional deputy commissioner of police (north-west).

The victims’ family, however, alleges that Anil, who has a criminal background, had been demanding a ransom of Rs 50,000 to let them put stalls of readymade garments at a weekly market in B-Block of Jahangirpuri.

“Our family members were attacked when we refused to comply with Anil’s demands. He collects ransom money from hawkers and local businessmen on a monthly basis,” Narendra’s brother Pankaj said. “He had also demanded money for an apartment that we are constructing in Jahangirpuri,” he said.

He claims Narendra and Kuldeep were returning to their rented accommodation at I-Block in Jahangirpuri when Sunil sparked the argument with Narendra. 

“Sunil and Anil were drinking outside their house. They first stabbed Narendra and then other members of our family when they rushed to the spot,” Pankaj added.

They sustained severe stab wounds and were rushed to Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital, where Narendra and Kuldeep were brought dead.

Jainath, whose condition is said to be critical, and Pappu were later referred to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital, while Vinita was discharged after first-aid.

A case of murder has been registered at Mahendra Park police station.

Police have not confirmed the allegations made by the victims’ family members, but have arrested Anil, his wife Suman, Sunil, and his wife Anju.

“We are questioning them and a massive hunt is on to nab the other alleged assailants,” Baaniya added.

Baaniya also confirmed that Anil was a bad character and was previously involved in around 10 criminal cases.