New Delhi, Delhi
Narela Property Dealer Murder: A property dealer was shot dead outside a gym in Delhi’s Narela area. The deceased has been identified as Pramod Kumar, a resident of Sonipat. According to reports, Pramod was allegedly being extorted for ₹5 crore, and despite reportedly paying around ₹1.5 crore, he continued to face pressure to pay more.
According to the police, Pramod had arrived at a gym in Bankner on Thursday morning as usual. As soon as he stepped out of his bulletproof Scorpio, three armed men who were allegedly waiting for him opened fire. Pramod sustained critical injuries in the attack and was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Attack Carried Out in Ambush Outside Gym
According to the information available, Pramod Kumar reached the gym in Bankner, Narela, at around 6:45 a.m. after travelling from his village Nahri in a bulletproof Scorpio. His friend Pawan was accompanying him. After reaching the gym, Pawan went inside while Pramod remained seated in the vehicle for some time.
A short while later, as Pramod stepped out of the vehicle, three men riding a motorcycle suddenly opened fire. Around 16 rounds were reportedly fired, with six bullets striking Pramod.
The attackers fled the scene after carrying out the shooting. During the preliminary investigation, police suspect that the assailants may have conducted prior surveillance of the victim. They may have been aware of Pramod’s daily routine and the time at which he usually arrived at the gym.
Doctors Declared Him Dead at Hospital
According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Lokesh Varan, the police control room received information about the shooting at around 7:10 a.m. A police team immediately reached the scene and took the injured Pramod to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Following the incident, police and forensic teams examined the crime scene. Around 15 spent cartridges were reportedly recovered from the location. Police are examining CCTV footage from cameras installed in the surrounding area to identify the attackers and determine their escape route.
Extortion Angle Being Investigated, Gang Claims Responsibility
The preliminary investigation indicates that Pramod Kumar was allegedly being threatened with an extortion demand of more than ₹5 crore. Reports suggest that even after approximately ₹1.5 crore had been paid, pressure continued to be exerted on him for the remaining amount.
Responsibility for the killing has reportedly been claimed on social media by individuals allegedly associated with the Himanshu Bhau and Neeraj Faridpur gangs. However, police are verifying the claim. Investigators are also examining other possible motives, including an old rivalry and links to criminal gangs.
Property Dealing and Banquet Hall Business
Pramod Kumar was involved in property dealing in the Narela and Nahri areas. He also reportedly owned a banquet hall in Nahri called Mukul Garden. He is survived by his wife, two sons, three brothers, a sister and his elderly mother.
Reports indicate that the family owned luxury vehicles, including a bulletproof Scorpio as well as a Fortuner and a Defender. The family said Pramod was security-conscious and also possessed a licensed firearm.
Friend Allegedly Threatened by Attackers
A witness has also claimed that Pawan, who was with Pramod at the time of the incident, was threatened by the attackers. According to local residents, three assailants were riding the motorcycle, and two of them opened fire.
Police are now analysing CCTV footage and evidence collected from the crime scene in an effort to identify and apprehend the attackers.
Locals Take to the Streets After the Murder
After news of Pramod’s killing spread, his family members and local residents gathered at the scene. Angry protesters reportedly placed the body on the Narela-Lampur Road and staged a demonstration, disrupting traffic for around three hours.
The family demanded strict action against those responsible. Vinod Kumar, the deceased’s brother, said that stringent action should be taken against those who killed his brother.
Police are currently investigating the murder. Their immediate priorities are to identify and arrest the attackers and uncover the full conspiracy behind the killing.
