Delhi Bawana shooting: Ravi Bhardwaj killed in shop attack; police suspect gang rivalry

A 30-year-old man, Ravi Bhardwaj, was shot dead after three assailants opened fire inside a shop linked to a home in Bawana, outer north Delhi. Police say three others, including his father and an eight-year-old boy, were injured. Officers recovered empty cartridges and are investigating, with gang rivalry suspected.

A shooting inside a shop linked to a home in Bawana’s Harewali village left one man dead and three others injured on Thursday evening, Delhi Police said. The dead man was identified as Ravi Bhardwaj, 30. Police said the firing appeared targeted and may be linked to gang rivalry. The injured included Ravi Bhardwaj’s father and an eight-year-old relative.

Police said three attackers arrived on a motorcycle and entered the shop as customers. Relatives said the assailants looked around 18 to 20 years old. Police said the attackers pulled out revolvers near the counter. A relative, Hariom, said they fired 15 to 20 rounds quickly. Ravi Bhardwaj was sitting at the counter.

Delhi Police probe Bawana firing case

Officials said police received two PCR calls at about 5.26 pm about gunfire in Harewali village. Callers reported that three men on a bike shot Ravi Bhardwaj. They also said Ravi Bhardwaj was being taken to a hospital in Pooth Khurd. A police team and senior officers went to the spot and later to the hospital.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer North) Hareshwar Swami said preliminary checks showed Ravi Bhardwaj was the main target. Ravi Bhardwaj was taken to MV Hospital in Pooth Khurd and was declared dead. Police preserved the body at the BSA Hospital mortuary. DCP Swami said police recovered empty cartridges from the crime scene.

Delhi Police trace suspects in Bawana firing

Police said three others were hurt during the firing. The injured were Anil Bhardwaj, 55, Raj Kumar, 46, and an eight-year-old boy related to the deceased. Police said Raj Kumar reached the shop below the family’s residence around the time of the attack. Officials did not share details on the condition of the injured.

A case was registered at Bawana police station under Sections 103(1) for murder and 35 for criminal act by several persons with common intention. These sections are under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police also added provisions of the Arms Act. Officials said teams were assigned to collect evidence and support the investigation.

Officials said specialised teams were formed to check CCTV footage and track the suspects’ route. Police suspected the accused escaped towards the Haryana side. Relatives said the attackers fled immediately after the shots were fired. Police said the motive was still unclear, even as the assault’s pattern suggested gang rivalry.

Relatives also said the family had no known dispute with anyone in the village. Another relative said Ravi Bhardwaj was well-behaved and ran a small shop. The relative added that Ravi Bhardwaj also earned from farming and selling milk. Police said they were still verifying the motive and identifying the attackers.

With inputs from PTI