Delhi Father Plans Murder Just Before Son Turns 18 to Exploit Juvenile Law in Revenge Killing

The victim was attacked with a cricket bat and a firearm during his morning walk in a Delhi park.

New Delhi:

Police in south Delhi have apprehended an 18-year-old youth and his father for the brutal murder of a property dealer, which authorities say was motivated by revenge over a years-old dispute.

According to police officials, the primary suspect, 47-year-old Khushi Ram from Auchandi village, deliberately timed the crime just one day before his son's 18th birthday. Investigators believe this was a calculated decision to ensure his son would be treated as a juvenile under the law if caught.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankit Chauhan explained, "Our initial investigation revealed that the victim had physically assaulted Khushi Ram during a property-related dispute in 2016. This assault left Ram bedridden for approximately nine months, during which time he developed deep resentment and meticulously planned his revenge."

The murder occurred on Friday when the victim, 56-year-old Lakhpat Singh (also known as Lakhpat Kataria), was attacked during his morning exercise routine at Vijay Mandal Park in Begumpur. Two assailants struck him with both a cricket bat and a firearm.

Lakhpat was immediately transported to AIIMS Trauma Centre in an unconscious state, where medical professionals pronounced him dead upon arrival. The medical report documented multiple penetrating injuries, including gunshot wounds.

Delhi Police shared details of the case on social media, noting that the suspects were apprehended after a thorough investigation by the South Delhi police teams. The post mentioned that the accused had carefully planned the revenge attack with his minor son for an incident that occurred nine years prior.

Investigators identified the suspects after analyzing footage from more than 650 CCTV cameras covering a distance of 55 kilometers, supplemented by extensive technical surveillance.

Police have recovered the black motorcycle used during the crime, which had its license plate deliberately removed.

According to authorities, the juvenile suspect was assigned to monitor the victim's daily routine before the father-son duo carried out their deadly attack.

A detailed analysis of call records and movement patterns led investigators to Khushi Ram, who has a history of criminal involvement including previous charges of assault, trespassing, and criminal intimidation.

The Deputy Commissioner stated that during interrogation, Khushi Ram admitted to waiting years for an opportunity to avenge the assault and humiliation he experienced at the hands of the victim.

Police are continuing their investigation to establish the complete conspiracy and recover the weapons used in the crime.