New Delhi: Hours after a 24-year-old man was shot dead at a lounge and café in northeast Delhi’s Maujpur, a video surfaced on Instagram in which an alleged shooter claimed the killing was an act of revenge for an assault a few months ago. The victim’s family, however, disputed the claim, saying the murder stemmed from a monetary dispute. Police identified the deceased as Faizan, also known as Fazzi, a resident of the Welcome area of northeast Delhi, who worked as a car cleaner. The shooting took place around 10.28pm on Friday at Mr King Lounge and Café, where a confrontation escalated into gunfire. Faizan was taken to GTB Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. In the Instagram video, the man claiming responsibility said he had learnt that Faizan would be present at the venue. He denied acting at anyone’s behest, insisting the killing was linked to “old enmity” after Faizan allegedly assaulted him four to five months ago. He also denied the involvement of his father or associates. This contradicts the version shared by Faizan’s brother, Salman, who alleged the murder was linked to a financial dispute. He claimed Faizan owed money to a father-son duo who had been pressuring him for repayment. Salman said police informed him that Faizan had been shot three times and that nearly two magazine rounds were fired. “He was shot in the head and twice in the chest. There were cuts on his hands, which means he resisted,” he said. Salman told TOI that Faizan left home around 7.30pm to visit the lounge, which he said belonged to his friends. He alleged that the shooter and his father had threatened the family five to six months ago, prompting them to file a complaint at Bhajanpura police station. The alleged shooter’s father had threatened Faizan’s life, Salman said, adding that he believes the claims made in the Instagram video are false and intended to protect the father. Investigators said they are examining the video, verifying its contents and probing all angles, including the family’s allegations. A case of murder has been registered at Welcome police station under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with provisions of the Arms Act.
