Cab driver killed

Cops blame it on other van operators

A 26-year-old cab driver succumbed to injuries after being thrashed at his house by some 10 men in west Delhi’s Uttam Nagar late on Sunday. 

The victim was attacked over frequent arguments and scuffles among cab drivers in west Delhi over picking up passengers. 

Two of the accused have been arrested, police said on Monday.

The victim has been identified as Naushad, a resident of Shiv Vihar JJ Colony. Police said he used to run a Maruti van between Shiv Vihar and Balaji Chowk in Ranhola.
 “These cab drivers make seven to eight trips per day and earn Rs 400-500,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (west) Ranvir Singh said.

But the money involved in the business also caused rift between cab drivers. They charged between Rs 10-30 from passengers.

“The main contention is always over passengers. The cab drivers often indulge in heated arguments leading to scuffles for taking passengers on their vehicles. Naushad was involved in many such scuffles,” Singh added.

At 11.30 pm on Sunday, eight to 10 men went to his house with an intention of thrashing Naushad. He was badly beaten up, after which the accused fled. 

Hearing the commotion, police were also informed, and Naushad was rushed to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital. 

“Naushad succumbed to injuries on Monday morning,” Singh said.

Initially, a case of attempt to murder was filed with Uttam Nagar police station, and the charge of murder was made after Naushad’s death. Investigation officers have identified the attackers and arrested two of them – Vinod and Rahul. “Efforts are on to nab the absconding accused,” Singh added.

Sources said Naushad married his sister-in-law after his elder brother died four years ago. 

Naushad had two children, while his wife had two other children from the previous marriage. 

Naushad’s family members told police that he also had personal enmity with some neighbours, who also run cabs on the route.