New Delhi: In a tragedy that has shaken northeast Delhi, the brutal murder of a 17-year-old boy in Seelampur has ignited public outrage, prompting street protests and raising serious concerns over gang violence and youth crime in the capital.
Kunal, a teenager described by family as gentle and obedient, was stabbed multiple times Thursday evening just meters from his home. The murder, allegedly carried out by two teenage boys in what police believe was a revenge attack, has sent shockwaves through the densely populated neighborhood.
A Simple Errand, A Fatal Encounter
Kunal had stepped out to buy milk and samosas for his family, who had just returned from GTB Hospital where his grandmother had been undergoing treatment. It was supposed to be a quick, routine errand. Instead, he was ambushed and repeatedly stabbed in a narrow lane near his home.
“He staggered bleeding toward a clinic, just 10–15 steps away, hoping for help,” recalled Mohsin, a 35-year-old local who witnessed the aftermath. “By the time we reached him, he had bled out. He died just outside the clinic’s door.”
The Gang Connection
Police investigations have linked the murder to the Shoaib-Mastan gang, reportedly active in Seelampur. A woman named Zikra, who has now been arrested, is accused of instigating the attack. Zikra is no stranger to law enforcement — she was earlier detained for flaunting weapons on Instagram and was known to work as a bouncer for jailed gangster Hashim Baba’s wife, Zoya.
Police believe the murder was retaliation for a stabbing incident last November, in which one of the suspects had been injured. The gang reportedly suspected Kunal of being involved and sought revenge.
Ten police teams have been deployed in search of the two teenage suspects, who remain at large. A murder case has been registered under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
‘I Want Justice’
Kunal’s mother broke down while speaking to reporters. “Zikra and her brothers have been threatening us and others in the neighborhood for a long time. They post photos with guns and walk around like they rule this area. Even children are scared of them. My son didn’t deserve to die like this. I want justice.”
Locals echoed her concerns, stating that gang intimidation and street violence have become routine. “These kinds of brawls happen often here,” said Sheesh Pal, a 60-year-old resident who lives near the crime scene. “But this time, it ended in a young boy’s death.”
Blood on the Lane
When Times of India visited the scene, dried blood stains still marked the concrete — a haunting reminder of the violence that unfolded. The lane, busy in the day, had turned eerily quiet in the evening, giving the killers the perfect cover.
Social Media and Crime
Zikra’s role in the murder underscores the disturbing trend of criminals using social media to flaunt power. With over 15,000 Instagram followers, she reportedly posted images with weapons, building a persona that glorified violence and gang culture.
The Bigger Picture
Kunal’s murder is not an isolated incident. It follows a string of brutal crimes in Delhi and beyond involving young people, social media, and gang influences — painting a grim picture of how deeply these issues are rooted in urban communities.
As the hunt for the killers continues, Kunal’s family and community demand not just justice, but protection. “We’re scared,” one resident admitted. “If they can kill a boy in broad daylight, what hope is there for the rest of us?”
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