Three men arrested after fatal road rage incident in north delhi

New Delhi: Three men were arrested in connection with a fatal road rage incident in north Delhi's Kashmere Gate area, where they allegedly assaulted a man, leading to his death.

The accused identified as Ritesh Kumar (27), Vicky (25), and Anil (27) were reportedly intoxicated and returning home in an e-rickshaw when the incident occurred.

According to police, the incident took place around 8.35 pm on June 30 near Khoya Mandi, Mori Gate. The complainant, Gokran (40), said he and his associate Bunty, a resident of Mansarovar Park, Shahdara, delivered a consignment of PVC wires to Naya Bazar, Sadar Bazar. While returning in a three-wheeler, they were stopped by the trio in the e-rickshaw, who confronted them after a minor collision.

An argument broke out over erratic driving. During the altercation, Bunty was physically assaulted and collapsed on the spot. Bystanders gathered, and the accused fled. With the help of a passerby, Gokran took Bunty to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

A case was registered under sections related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and common intention.

Deputy commissioner of police (north), Raja Banthia, said that CCTV footage revealed the suspects purchasing alcohol from a liquor shop before the incident and deboarding the rickshaw at Moti Gate. Further investigation led police to Lahori Gate Chowk, where clear images of the suspects were extracted and shown to local shopkeepers. One of the accused, Ritesh, was recognised and apprehended from a dry fruits shop in the area on July 3. He later revealed the identities of his accomplices, who were also arrested.

During interrogation, the trio admitted to working at dry fruits shops in Lahori Gate. They stated that after finishing work, they bought three bottles of liquor and were heading home to Khajuri Khas and Mandoli. When their e-rickshaw was struck by a Bajaj Maxima tempo near Nityanand Marg, a confrontation ensued. Ritesh allegedly slapped the complainant, while Anil and Vicky grabbed the driver, pushed him down, and repeatedly slapped, punched, and kicked him until he lost consciousness. The men then fled the scene.