Minors shot Unani doctor in retaliation for ‘humiliation’

In an act of revenge for “humiliation”, three minors shot Unani practitioner Dr Javed Akhtar at Nima Hospital in the Jaitpur area of South East Delhi on October 2. The Kalindi Kunj area of South East Delhi was rattled early Thursday morning when the doctor was shot inside a small nursing home, allegedly by a minor.

Row over bill

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• The police said the accused teenager was treated by Dr Akhtar for an injury, but he refused to pay the full treatment cost of ~1,200
• Instead, he handed over only ~400, which allegedly led to verbal abuse from the hospital staff, including Dr Javed Akhtar
• The embarrassment apparently sparked the chain of events leading to the murder.

The police have arrested three minors in connection with the murder. The main accused, a 16-year-old, was reportedly humiliated by the doctor and his staff over an unpaid medical bill just days before the incident, according to the police.

An official said the teenager was treated by Dr Akhtar for an injury, but he refused to pay the full treatment cost of Rs 1,200. Instead, he handed over only Rs 400, which allegedly led to verbal abuse from the hospital staff, including Dr Akhtar himself. “The boy was ridiculed by the staff and the doctor for not paying the full amount,” said DCP (South East) Rajesh Deo. The initial embarrassment apparently sparked the chain of events leading to the murder.

On September 30, the accused returned to the hospital to have his bandages removed. However, the police said he was again verbally abused and denied service. This second incident, they believe, was the final straw. “He narrated his ordeal to two friends, and the trio conspired to murder the doctor,” a police officer said.

In the early hours of October 2, the accused, accompanied by his two friends, revisited the hospital under the pretext of seeking medical attention. One of the teenagers, the shooter, had suffered another injury and used the opportunity to scout the location. He returned the following night, ostensibly for re-dressing, and shot Dr Akhtar dead in his cabin.

All assailants come from humble backgrounds. Adding to the horror of the crime, the main accused posted a photo of himself on social media shortly after the killing, with the caption: “Kar diya 2024 mein murder”, following which the police arrested the shooter and later his accomplices.