Delhi Tenant Stages Own Shooting to Extort Landlord and Dodge Eviction

Delhi Police have uncovered an alleged conspiracy in which a tenant staged his own shooting in an attempt to extort money from his landlord and delay eviction proceedings. Three people, including the complainant himself, were arrested following a joint operation conducted by officials from the Kotwali police station and the Anti Auto Theft Squad (AATS) of the North Delhi district. Police said the accused had carefully planned the incident to create pressure on the property owner during an ongoing legal dispute.

According to investigators, the case began on May 10 at around 10:30 pm when Avinash Kumar informed police that an unidentified man had entered his rented accommodation in Kucha Bulaki Begum near Cycle Market in Chandni Chowk and shot him in the thigh. Kumar was immediately shifted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital for treatment. Police recovered two empty cartridges from the scene and registered a criminal case based on the complaint.

During the investigation, police examined footage from more than 200 CCTV cameras installed in and around the area to trace the alleged attacker. Officials tracked the movement of a white SUV believed to have been used in the incident. Using technical surveillance methods along with social media analysis, investigators identified one of the suspects as Lokesh Dahiya, leading police to intensify their search operation across multiple locations.

Also Read: Check Petrol, Diesel Prices In Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai And Delhi On May 18

On May 15, police arrested Lokesh Dahiya and another accused, Deepak Kumar, from Sonipat in Haryana. Interrogation of the duo reportedly exposed the larger conspiracy behind the shooting. Acting on the information gathered during questioning, police later arrested Avinash Kumar from his residence and identified him as the alleged mastermind behind the fabricated attack.

Investigators said Avinash Kumar worked as a property dealer and had been involved in a dispute with his landlord after being asked to vacate the rented premises. He had also filed a civil case against the property owner. Police alleged that Kumar planned the fake shooting with the intention of forcing the landlord into a large financial settlement and creating additional legal and emotional pressure during the eviction battle.

Police said Deepak Kumar allegedly arranged a country-made pistol, while Lokesh Dahiya delivered the weapon to Avinash Kumar. Investigators claim Kumar then shot himself in the thigh as part of the plan before filing the false complaint. Recoveries made by the police include the SUV used in the incident, the country-made firearm, two magazines, 14 live cartridges, and five mobile phones. Authorities said further investigation into the case is currently underway.

Also Read: Court Observes Non-Veg Food Waste In Ganga May Hurt Religious Sentiments