Gang War Suspected in Murder of South Delhi Gym Owner; Four Arrested

A 35-year-old gym owner was fatally shot by two motorcycle-riding assailants in the upscale Greater Kailash area of south Delhi, police reported on Friday. Four individuals have been apprehended in connection with the incident. These suspects are believed to have provided logistical support to the shooters and are currently being interrogated by a Special Cell team, according to a senior officer.

Arrests and Seizures

The arrested individuals have been identified as Nitalesh Tiwari, Vishal Verma, and Akash Yadav from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh, and Naveen Baliyan from Sonipat in Haryana. Authorities seized two country-made pistols and eight live rounds from them. Two additional people were detained for questioning, though the primary shooter remains at large.

Deputy Commissioner of Police South Ankit Chauhan stated that they received information about the shooting at Greater Kailash 1 and one person being taken to Max Hospital. Personnel rushed to the scene and found bullet projectiles and empty cartridges. Upon inquiry, it was found that Shah, a resident of CR Park, had suffered five bullet injuries. The attackers came on a two-wheeler, fired at him, and fled. He was immediately rushed to the hospital by his friends but was declared dead.

Suspected Gang Involvement

Police suspect the involvement of associates of jailed gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Hashim Baba in the murder. Nadir Shah, who co-owned a gym in Greater Kailash 1 and had previous criminal cases including extortion, robbery, and attempted murder against him, was the victim. Shah also lent money at very high interest rates and owned a business in Dubai. He is survived by his mother and two brothers.

At the time of the incident, some officials from the Delhi Police's Special Cell were present at the gym to meet an informer. Shah was talking to a friend outside the gym when he was shot around 10:44 pm. CCTV footage showing Shah talking to someone as an attacker approached and fired multiple bullets later surfaced on social media. The attacker is suspected to have fled on a motorcycle with an associate waiting nearby.

Social Media Claims

Minutes after the shooting, a post appeared on social media claiming responsibility for the attack on behalf of gangster Rohit Godara. The post stated that Sameer Baba, a jailed criminal, ordered the shooting because Shah was causing trouble in his business. "Whoever will support our rival and trouble us will be shot like this," it added. The post also mentioned associates of Lawrence Bishnoi including Godara, Goldy Brar, Gogi gang, and Kala Rana gang.

Another police source revealed that the background of the man Shah was talking to when he was attacked had been verified. This individual told police he had come with a woman friend who was sitting in his car at that time.

Ongoing Investigation

The police are investigating all possible angles but suspect rivalry as a motive while not ruling out gang war possibilities. The investigation continues as authorities work to apprehend the main shooter and any other involved parties.

The tragic incident has left many questions unanswered as investigators delve deeper into the case to uncover all details surrounding this fatal shooting.