JOIN USA 37-year-old small-time builder had a narrow escape when five men opened indiscriminate fire over personal enmity in north east Delhi’s Seelampur on Thursday, police said.
Mahendra Chand Ramhola lives with family near Welcome timber market. Police said he was directing labourers at a construction site when the attack occurred at about 8.15 pm.
“Mahendra identified four of the attackers as Asif, Rahis, Waseem and Mehfooz,” a police officer said.
He told police that Asif and Waseem had been threatening him as they were earlier arrested in a robbery case filed with Welcome police station over his statement five months ago.
Mahendra claims that it started when Asif and Rahis came to meet him at around 8 pm on a motorcycle. “They had a brief chat during which Mahendra was threatened by them,” the officer added.
Soon, Asif and Rahis left the spot, but returned five minutes later with Waseem, Mehfooz and an unidentified man on separate motorcycles. It is alleged that Mehfooz, Waseem and Asif were carrying country-made pistols.
“Mehfooz opened fire without warning, but Mahendra escaped unhurt,” the officer said. Mahendra immediately ran inside the under-construction building and kept himself confined to the basement.
He claims Mehfooz, Waseem and Asif continued firing for about five minutes and fled only after locals gathered there. Mahendra came out only after locals assured him and informed police.
Mahendra’s statement was also recorded after which a case of attempt to murder was filed under IPC and Arms Act.
As four of the accused have been identified, investigating officers are conducting raids in Welcome area to nab them.
Mahendra has also named two others — Amir Raja and his younger brother Anwar.
“Mahendra claims the two brothers had been pressurising him over the robbery case,” police said.