New Delhi | A late-night visit to Connaught Place turned tragic for a 36-year-old businessman who died after allegedly being assaulted by food delivery agents following a brief argument in the heart of the national capital.
Shivam Gupta, a resident of Laxmi Nagar in east Delhi, had gone to Connaught Place with a friend on the night of January 2 to attend a party. According to police sources, after stepping out of a restaurant near E Block, close to Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, Gupta asked a food delivery agent for water. What began as a verbal exchange soon escalated into violence.
Investigators said the delivery agent allegedly struck Gupta on the head with a helmet, while two other associates joined in, punching and kicking him repeatedly. Gupta collapsed on the road and lost consciousness.
A Police Control Room call received around 1.30 am on January 3 alerted officers about an injured man lying unconscious and bleeding on the road. Gupta was rushed to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, where doctors detected multiple hematomas and declared him unfit to record a statement due to the severity of his injuries.
His father, Anil Kant Gupta, later told the media that his son had left home on the evening of January 2 but never returned. After repeated unanswered calls, the family was informed by the police that Shivam had been admitted to hospital.
The elder Gupta said his son’s condition was critical when the family reached the hospital, adding that Shivam was vomiting blood and was unresponsive. Doctors advised transferring him for specialised treatment, following which he was shifted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on January 4 and underwent surgery the next day.
Doctors informed the family that the injuries were life-threatening and that the following 36 to 72 hours would be crucial. According to his father, Shivam showed brief signs of recovery and responded when doctors spoke to him, raising hopes of survival. However, he succumbed to his injuries on January 19.
Shivam was the only child of his parents and the sole support of the family. His father, who owns two shops in the Paharganj area, said the loss has left them devastated.
As part of the investigation, police inspected the scene near the parking area, conducted videography and photography, and seized blood-stained material for forensic examination. CCTV footage from nearby cameras was also reviewed. According to the family, the footage showed Shivam lying on the ground while his friend stood nearby.
Police sources said an FIR was initially registered under Section 110, relating to culpable homicide, and Section 3(5), relating to common intention, of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Two men have been apprehended so far, and further investigation is underway to determine the involvement of all those present during the incident. Additional legal sections may be added as the probe progresses.
Family members have demanded strict action against those responsible, saying the use of a helmet as a weapon cost Shivam his life and that no other family should suffer a similar loss.
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