Youth murdered over a cigarette

 A youth was stabbed to death and his friend was injured by two brothers after they refused to give one of the brothers a cigarette at Pul Prahladpur in south-east Delhi on Wednesday. The youth who stabbed has been arrested.

Neeraj, 20, was a resident of Lal Kuan block I and worked as a labourer with MCD on contract basis.

He was standing near Prem Nagar bus stand with his friends Rajesh, Pavan and Shahrukh when the incident took place around 10.30 am on Wednesday.

“We have arrested Pradeep of Prem Nagar block J over Rajesh’s statement. Pradeep’s brother Sanjay is absconding. Pradeep and Sanjay knew Neeraj,” a senior police official said.

According to Rajesh, he and his friends were smoking cigarettes near Prem Nagar bus stand when Pradeep came to them and asked for a cigarette. Rajesh refused, due to which a heated argument ensued, resulting in a scuffle.

It is alleged that Pradeep then left the place and returned armed with his brother Sanjay.
“They were carrying sharp-edged weapons and attacked Rajesh. He suffered a minor injury, but it led to another physical scuffle between the two groups,” the official added.

The entire incident came to an abrupt end when Pradeep stabbed Neeraj, and then fled with Sanjay. A police control room vehicle also reached the spot and rushed Neeraj and Rajesh to the AIIMS trauma centre.

Neeraj, who was stabbed in the chest, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, while Rajesh was discharged after first aid.

“Neeraj’s body was handed over to his family after a post-mortem on Thursday,” the official said.

A case of murder has been lodged against Pradeep and Sanjay with Pul Prahladpur police station.