2 men stabbed to death after row over cigarettes

Two men were stabbed to death allegedly after an argument over cigarettes in Northwest Delhi, the police said on Friday. Three people have been arrested in connection with the case, the police said.

The victims were identified as Sameer and Fardeen, residents of Bhalswa Dairy, it said.

The police received a PCR call at 1.22 am on Thursday regarding the stabbing incident, it said.

According to eyewitness Mubin, his relative Fardeen was invited to a reception hosted by his cousin, DCP Ravi Kumar Singh said.

Around midnight, his relatives Sameer and Fardeen went outside together. Sometime later, Sameer returned seriously injured with three men chasing him with a knife, Mr Mubin told the police.

Sameer was then admitted to BJRM Hospital with an incised wound after he was attacked by a sharp object on his abdomen and shoulder. He was referred to the LNJP Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, the DCP said.

Meanwhile, Fardeen, a battery rickshaw driver, died on the spot, he said.

Mr Mubin further informed the police that he had later learnt that an argument broke out when the three accused—Abdul Sammi (19), Vikas (20), and Arshlan (20)—were demanding cigarettes from the victims and they denied having any, the DCP said.

Based on Mr Mubin’s statement to the police, a case was registered at Bhalswa Dairy police station, he said.

During the initial investigation, the police found that the victims may have relieved themselves near the street of the accused’s houses which also could have triggered the argument and they stabbed Fardeen and Sameer to death, the DCP said.

The police has recovered the weapon of offence, a country-made pistol, and blood-stained clothes along with the CCTV footage where the accused were seen chasing Sameer, the police said.

A case was registered and further investigation is underway, it added.

◗ DURING THE initial investigation, police found that the victims may have relieved themselves near the street of the accused’s houses which also could have triggered the argument