In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about safety in Delhi, a 55-year-old doctor was shot dead at a private nursing home in the Kalindi Kunj area on Thursday.
The victim, identified as Dr. Javed Akhtar, was a practitioner of Unani Medicine at Nima Hospital, a three-bedded facility where he dedicated his life to providing medical care. The murder has sent ripples of fear and anger throughout the community, highlighting the alarming rise in crime rates in the capital city.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m., when two teenagers entered the hospital claiming to need a change of dressing. One of the assailants had reportedly been treated at the hospital just a day prior for a toe injury.
Hospital staff recounted how the two individuals asked to see Dr. Akhtar for a prescription, leading them to his cabin. Moments later, a gunshot rang out, prompting staff members to rush to the scene. Tragically, they found Dr. Akhtar lying dead, shot in the head.
Following the incident, the District Crime Team and the Forensic Science Laboratory team from Rohini were quickly dispatched to the hospital to investigate.
Preliminary inquiries suggest that this may have been a targeted killing, given the unprovoked nature of the attack. CCTV footage is currently under review in hopes of identifying the suspects, and a manhunt has been launched for their apprehension.
Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bhardwaj did not hold back in his condemnation of the incident. He took to social media to express his outrage, criticising the Central government and Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena for what he described as a failure to maintain law and order in the city.
Bhardwaj’s comments came in the wake of increasing gang violence and crime, which he claims have become rampant in the capital. He stated that “Delhi has become the crime capital” and highlighted the ease with which gangsters operate, mentioning incidents of extortion and daily murders that have left residents in fear.
This tragic incident is not an isolated case. Just two months prior, another doctor was allegedly raped and murdered in R. G. Kar Hospital in West Bengal. The violent killing of Dr. Akhtar adds to a growing list of violent incidents that have shaken public confidence in the safety of medical professionals and the general populace.
In the aftermath of the shooting, police have reiterated that they are actively pursuing the investigation and are leaving no stone unturned in their search for the assailants. They have emphasised the importance of public safety and the need to restore trust in the community.
The public outrage has been palpable, with many expressing fear for their safety and calling for stricter measures to combat rising crime rates. Bhardwaj’s statements echo a growing sentiment among residents who feel increasingly vulnerable in their own city.
His comments are backed by reports of other violent incidents, including the recent shooting of a 36-year-old caretaker who intervened in a dispute between tenants in Dwarka.
The crime wave in Delhi has become a focal point of concern, with many citizens demanding urgent action from authorities. AAP MLAs have written to the Lieutenant Governor, raising alarms about gangsters demanding extortion from businesses in the city. They have sought an immediate meeting to discuss these pressing issues, indicating that the public and political leaders are increasingly aware of the need for intervention.
The rising crime rates in Delhi not only pose a direct threat to public safety but also impact the overall sense of security within the community. As this situation continues to develop, residents are left grappling with the harsh reality that their city is becoming increasingly dangerous.