Firing outside Delhi builder’s office after heated exchange, gunman on the run

Panic gripped central Delhi’s Paharganj area on Monday evening after an unidentified man allegedly opened fire at a builder’s office in Arya Nagar under the Nabi Karim police station limits before fleeing the spot. No injuries were reported in the incident, police said.

According to Delhi Police, a PCR call regarding the firing was received at 5.09 pm and recorded as DD No. 141A at Nabi Karim police station. Preliminary inquiry revealed that two rounds were fired at a shop located in Arya Nagar. Police teams rushed to the spot immediately, secured the area and launched an investigation.

Sources said the firing took place at the office of builder Mahesh Chand, located near Shiv Mandir in Arya Nagar. According to initial information, the accused had previously visited the office on the pretext of looking for a property. He allegedly returned on Monday afternoon, during which an argument broke out with the builder over an undisclosed issue.

The dispute reportedly escalated, following which the accused allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired inside the office. As panic spread among employees, members of the staff attempted to overpower him. However, the accused allegedly pushed them aside and fled the premises.

While escaping through nearby lanes, the suspect allegedly fired additional rounds in the air to deter anyone from chasing him before disappearing from the area. Despite the firing, no one sustained any injuries.

Builder Mahesh Chand’s son, Rahul Jindal, later reached the office and briefed the police about the incident. He told investigators that the accused had visited the office earlier, which could help establish his identity.

Police have recovered empty cartridge cases from the spot and are examining CCTV footage from the area to identify the accused and trace his escape route. Multiple teams have been formed to track him down.

Investigators are probing all possible angles, including whether the firing stemmed from a personal dispute, business rivalry or an extortion attempt. Officials said the motive behind the attack is yet to be established.

The incident created panic among local residents and traders in the busy commercial area. Police have stepped up security in the locality and appealed to the public not to pay heed to rumours while the investigation is underway.

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