A head constable of the Delhi Police has been arrested for allegedly killing a young delivery worker in southwest Delhi, in a case that has raised serious concerns about the misuse of service weapons. The accused, identified as Neeraj Balhara, was apprehended within hours of the incident from Rohtak in Haryana.
Argument escalates into firing
According to The Hindustan Times, the incident took place in the early hours of Sunday in the Jaffarpur Kalan area. According to police, Balhara got into an argument with two men, including 21-year-old delivery agent Pandav Kumar, who were standing by the roadside after attending a birthday gathering.
The confrontation allegedly turned violent, with Balhara opening fire at close range. Kumar was hit in the chest and later declared dead at a hospital, while his friend Krishan sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment.
Service weapon issued days earlier
Officials said the weapon used in the shooting was a Glock service pistol that had been issued to the accused only a few days before the incident. As a member of the Special Cell, Balhara was permitted to carry the firearm even while off duty due to the nature of his assignments.
Police sources noted that such personnel are expected to remain prepared for emergencies at all times, unlike district-level staff who typically deposit weapons after duty hours.
Accused suspended, probe underway
Following the incident, Balhara has been placed under suspension, and a departmental inquiry has been initiated. A case of murder and attempted murder has been registered, and investigators are working to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the firing.
The officer, who joined the force in 2006 and was inducted into the Special Cell in 2019, had previously been involved in several operations targeting gangsters and organised crime networks.
Also Read | Delhi Police busts ₹5 crore cocaine haul, exposes interstate drug network
The case has once again highlighted concerns around accountability and the handling of firearms by law enforcement personnel, especially in situations unrelated to official duty. Authorities say further investigation will determine whether additional lapses or violations occurred.
