Property dealer shot dead by rival

A 27-year-old property-dealer, with two criminal cases against him, was shot dead by an unidentified man in southwest Delhi’s Dwarka sector-7 on Monday afternoon.

Police suspect that the murder was a result of professional rivalry. Nikhil, a resident of Mahavir Enclave near Palam, was standing in front of Max Ford school around 1.30 pm and was seen having a long conversation with the alleged killer.

All of a sudden the accused pulled out a gun and shot Nikhil from point blank range, said police.

“We have some definite clues about the murder on which we are working on,” said RA Sanjeev, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West).

After the incident, panic gripped the area, with people suspecting it to be an attack on the school itself.

Nikhil was taken in a police control room van to the nearby Ayushman Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

The victim has two criminal cases, including one of murder, registered against him.  According to police sources, apart from being a property-dealer, he was a known criminal of the area.

“We are seeing the case from the angle of gang rivalry. Nikhil’s influence over the property market in the area of Dwarka and Palam had started to grow, which perhaps didn’t go down well with the existing gang leaders of the area. This murder could have been a result of it. Apart from that, a personal rivalry or sudden provocation could also be a reason,” said a police officer.

Police are confident of nabbing the murderer soon. A manhunt has been launched, and the help of eyewitnesses and CCTV cameras is being taken.

Police are also talking to the family members and friends of Nikhil to zero in on the killer.

The victim’s call details are also being analysed to find out the people who were last in touch with him.