New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to set a specific timeline for completing the trial in the Shraddha Walkar murder case against accused Aaftab Amin Poonawala, noting that proceedings in the case are already being conducted on a day-to-day basis. The court was hearing a petition filed by Walkar's brother seeking directions for an early conclusion of the trial. Justice Madhu Jain observed that the trial court was already making efforts to complete the proceedings as quickly as possible and therefore no additional directions were required at this stage. The petition had sought the High Court's intervention to ensure that the trial, which has remained under close public attention, reaches its conclusion without unnecessary delay.

During the hearing, Justice Jain took note of the manner in which proceedings were being conducted before the trial court. The High Court observed that the lower court was making “every endeavour” to conclude the matter at the earliest and that hearings were already taking place on a daily basis. In view of this, the court found no reason to impose a separate deadline. “It is clear that the trial court is making every endeavour to conclude the trial as soon as possible. No further directions are required as the trial is going on a day to day basis,” Justice Jain said. The observation effectively means that the existing pace of proceedings will continue without a High Court-mandated date by which the trial must be completed.

The petition had been moved by Shraddha Walkar's brother with the objective of securing an early conclusion to the proceedings against Aaftab Amin Poonawala. However, the High Court's order makes clear that it is satisfied, for now, with the steps being taken by the trial court. Rather than setting a fixed deadline, Justice Jain allowed the day-to-day trial process to continue. The material provided does not specify how many witnesses have been examined so far, how much evidence remains to be recorded or when the trial court is expected to deliver its final decision. With the High Court declining to issue further directions, the focus will remain on the ongoing proceedings before the trial court and its efforts to bring the case to a conclusion at the earliest possible stage.

New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das on Friday questioned the criminal case registered against a 25-year-old woman who allegedly used abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Das described the FIR as a misuse of the criminal justice system and argued that while abusive or offensive language could be condemned, it should not automatically lead to criminal proceedings. The woman was allegedly seen making objectionable remarks against the Prime Minister during the July 23 Jantar Mantar protest, and a video of the incident later circulated widely on social media. According to the police, she was booked on allegations including intentional insult, public mischief and defamation after a complaint was lodged at the Expressway police station in Noida. Police registered a "zero FIR" before transferring the case to Parliament Street police station in New Delhi, where the alleged incident took place. A zero FIR allows a complaint to be registered at a police station irrespective of where the alleged offence occurred, after which it can be transferred to the police station having jurisdiction.

Reacting to the case, Das said profanity by itself should not result in a criminal case and accused authorities of unnecessarily targeting young protesters. In a post on X, he questioned why police resources were being used against a 25-year-old woman and referred to criminal cases involving members of Parliament while making his argument. Speaking separately to news agency ANI, Das asked when using abusive language had become a criminal offence in the country. He said such language was used in everyday life and maintained that deploying the criminal justice machinery against protesters in this manner was unjustifiable. Das nevertheless described the alleged remarks as condemnable, while appealing to the government and police to stop what he called harassment of young people. His comments came amid continuing political debate surrounding the recent CJP-led protests at Jantar Mantar and the police response to demonstrations over examination-related issues.

The complaint in the case was filed by Ghaziabad resident Smriti Singh, who approached Noida Police on Wednesday. According to the complaint cited in the FIR, the woman allegedly used abusive and objectionable language in public against the Prime Minister. Singh alleged that the remarks affected the dignity of a constitutional office and were intended to spread hatred and disturb public peace. She also claimed that several videos circulating on social media showed the woman making abusive remarks about Modi and his mother. Singh said she identified the woman with the help of her friends through social media before approaching police and seeking action. The case has now been sent to Parliament Street police station for further investigation. Das, meanwhile, has maintained that offensive speech should be criticised without using criminal proceedings to target young protesters. The police investigation will determine how the allegations and provisions cited in the FIR are taken forward.

In a move aimed at improving governance and strengthening ease of doing business, the Delhi government has reduced the processing time for 84 services offered through its single-window system and introduced instant delivery for select services. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the decision on Wednesday, describing it as part of the government's broader effort to make public services faster, more transparent and citizen-friendly.

The single-window system is an online platform that enables citizens, entrepreneurs and businesses to apply for multiple licences, approvals, permits and government clearances through a single digital interface. The latest reforms are expected to reduce administrative delays and simplify interactions between the public and various government departments.

Review Across 18 Departments

According to an official statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the decision follows a comprehensive review conducted by the Information Technology (IT) Department under the government's deregulation initiative.

The study assessed the time taken to process applications submitted through the single-window portal, beginning from the filing of an application to its final approval or disposal. Officials examined service delivery timelines across 95 services provided by 18 government departments.

Based on the findings, authorities identified opportunities to streamline procedures and eliminate unnecessary delays in processing applications.

Faster Service Delivery

Following the review, the government decided to reduce the processing time for 84 services available on the portal. In addition, several services that previously required manual processing will now be delivered instantly through the digital platform.

While the Chief Minister's Office confirmed the reduction in timelines, it did not specify the revised processing period for individual services.

Officials said the objective is to ensure quicker approvals without compromising transparency or administrative accountability.

Boost to Ease of Doing Business

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the reforms are intended to improve Delhi's business environment while making government services more efficient and accessible.

She said reducing processing timelines would help businesses obtain approvals more quickly, encouraging investment and improving the overall ease of doing business in the national capital.

The initiative is also expected to benefit citizens seeking routine government permissions by reducing waiting periods and simplifying administrative procedures.

According to the government, digital governance remains a key priority, with technology playing an increasingly important role in delivering public services efficiently.

Focus on Digital Governance

The single-window system has been developed to bring multiple government services under one online platform, allowing applicants to submit documents, track applications and receive approvals without visiting different government offices.

Officials believe that reducing processing time will improve transparency by limiting procedural bottlenecks and minimising the need for repeated physical interactions with departments.

The move also aligns with broader efforts to expand digital governance, reduce paperwork and improve service delivery standards across departments.

Part of Deregulation Drive

The review formed part of the Delhi government's ongoing deregulation exercise, which seeks to simplify compliance requirements, remove outdated procedures and make administrative processes more efficient.

Government officials said the study focused on identifying stages where applications experienced delays and recommended changes that could accelerate approvals without affecting regulatory oversight.

The reforms are expected to support entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses and individual applicants who rely on government clearances for commercial and personal purposes.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has intensified its protest campaign, warning that demonstrations could grow significantly if the Centre fails to address its demands. As protests continue at Jantar Mantar, the Union government has once again offered to hold talks with the party, while security has been tightened across the national capital with additional paramilitary deployment and the closure of several Metro stations.

Speaking to reporters, CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka described the 20 July Parliament march as only the beginning of the movement.

“What happened on 20 July was just a trailer. If the government does not accept our demands, millions more will come to Delhi. This time we will neither hold back nor remain silent,” he said.

The party claims its agitation has emerged as one of the largest protest movements in recent years and has vowed to continue demonstrations until its demands are addressed.

Centre Offers Second Round of Talks

Amid the ongoing protest, the Centre has extended an invitation for a second round of discussions with CJP leaders.

Ranka confirmed that the government had approached the party for fresh talks, adding that the proposal would be discussed by the party's core committee before a final decision is taken.

The move is being seen as an attempt to ease tensions after days of demonstrations and growing political pressure in the capital.

Delhi Security Strengthened

Authorities have significantly enhanced security arrangements across Delhi in response to the continuing protests.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has temporarily closed 16 Metro stations until further notice as a precautionary measure to manage crowd movement and ensure public safety.

In addition, the Centre has deployed 20 extra companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to assist Delhi Police in maintaining law and order during the demonstrations.

Officials said security has been reinforced around key government buildings, transport hubs and sensitive locations.

Police Register 10 FIRs

Delhi Police has registered 10 First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with violence reported during the Parliament march on 20 July.

According to police, the cases include allegations of attempted murder, stone pelting, vandalism, damage to public property and obstruction of government work.

Investigators are also examining more than 250 video recordings to identify individuals allegedly involved in the incidents.

Supreme Court Declines Urgent Hearing

The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to urgently list a petition challenging the alleged police action against student protesters.

During the hearing, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant reportedly remarked that the court could not immediately take up the matter based on video footage and declined the request for urgent listing.

Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalised

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been supporting the CJP agitation, remains hospitalised after being shifted to Medanta Hospital on the 25th day of his hunger strike.

Sources indicated that the government has initiated discussions with Wangchuk. Reports also suggested that Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh visited him at the hospital on Tuesday night.

Core Demands of the Protest

The Cockroach Janta Party and Wangchuk have been demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak and student suicides allegedly linked to examination-related issues.

Meanwhile, CJP leaders have urged supporters to continue protesting peacefully at Jantar Mantar and avoid demonstrations at other locations in the city.

The coming days are expected to be crucial as the government weighs negotiations while security agencies remain on alert to prevent any escalation of the protests.

The protests, centred around education-related demands and the alleged NEET examination controversy, have drawn widespread public attention over the past week. As thousands of students gathered for the proposed "Sansad Chalo" march, reports of police action, including tear gas and lathi charge, sparked strong reactions from activists, opposition leaders and several members of the entertainment industry.

In a video shared on social media, Naseeruddin Shah became visibly emotional while speaking about the reported treatment of protesting students. The veteran actor described the alleged use of force as "zulm" (oppression) and questioned why peaceful demonstrators were being subjected to such action. His remarks quickly went viral, with supporters praising him for speaking out while discussions over the protests intensified online.

However, a separate viral video falsely claimed that Shah had personally joined the protest at Jantar Mantar with his sons. Multiple fact-checks later confirmed that the footage was actually recorded outside a theatre event in Mumbai and had no connection with the Delhi demonstration. While Shah publicly expressed concern over the reported violence, there is no verified evidence that he physically attended the protest site.

Shabana Azmi, meanwhile, has remained actively involved in the demonstrations. After spending time with students at Jantar Mantar, she also joined the march towards Parliament and shared videos from the protest site on social media. Calling the gathering peaceful, Azmi said the demonstrators were exercising their constitutional right to protest and deserved to be heard rather than confronted with force.

Speaking to television channels after the protest, Azmi said she personally witnessed tear gas shells being fired and students, including young women, being lathi-charged. She described the protesters as disciplined and non-violent, adding that she had "never seen such controlled children" despite the tense situation.

The actor also rejected suggestions that her participation was politically motivated. Azmi said she has never been associated with any political party and revealed that she and lyricist Javed Akhtar had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking dialogue before she decided to publicly support the movement. According to her, the decision to join the protest came only after waiting several days for a response.

Over the past several days, a number of well-known personalities have expressed solidarity with the student movement. Actors including Prakash Raj, Swara Bhasker and Soni Razdan have also extended support, while several filmmakers and writers have called for constructive dialogue between authorities and the protesters.

The demonstrations continue to attract national attention as protesters demand action on education-related issues and greater accountability from the authorities. With public debate growing sharper, the interventions by Shah and Azmi have added a significant cultural dimension to the ongoing movement, reflecting how voices from the film industry are increasingly participating in conversations around public policy and civil rights.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday met people injured during the police action against the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest and announced legal assistance for those detained. Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal sharply criticised the Centre over the police crackdown, alleging excessive use of force against protesters and demanding transparency regarding those taken into custody.

Kejriwal later visited Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi, where several protesters were reportedly being held, and sought details from senior police officials about the cases registered following the demonstration. He also said he would visit Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital to meet those injured during the police action.

AAP Announces Legal Assistance

To support those affected by the police action, the AAP chief announced a legal assistance helpline and appealed to protesters and their families to contact the party if they required legal support.

According to Kejriwal, individuals arrested in connection with the CJP protest could seek assistance through the helpline, where a dedicated legal team would provide guidance and representation if required.

Demands Transparency on Detentions

Kejriwal urged the Delhi Police to publicly release the complete list of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered in connection with the protest. He also demanded details of those allegedly detained without formal FIRs, including the locations where they were being held.

He said such information was essential so that families searching for missing relatives could know their whereabouts.

Criticises Police Action

During the press conference, Kejriwal alleged that videos circulating on social media showed excessive force being used against protesters. Referring to these videos, he claimed that peaceful demonstrators, including young participants, had been subjected to unnecessary force.

He further criticised the government's handling of the protest and accused the authorities of attempting to intimidate citizens participating in demonstrations.

Visit to Police Stations

The AAP chief stated that after meeting injured protesters at the hospital, he would also visit Parliament Street and Mandir Marg Police Stations, where, according to the party, several protesters had been detained.

Kejriwal said he intended to seek official information regarding those arrested and the legal proceedings initiated after the protest.

Political Reactions Continue

The police action on CJP protesters has triggered a political confrontation, with opposition parties questioning the government's response to the demonstration, while authorities have maintained that law enforcement acted to maintain public order.

The incident has also intensified the ongoing political debate over the handling of protests and public demonstrations, with opposition leaders demanding accountability and greater transparency from the administration.

The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear a petition filed by Dr. Gitanjali Angmo, wife of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, at 2:30 pm on Sunday. The plea seeks permission to shift Wangchuk from Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital to a private medical facility, claiming that he is being kept in the government hospital against his wishes despite repeated requests from his family.

The hearing comes as Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike, which began on 28 June, demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Wife Alleges Forced Hospitalisation

In her petition before the High Court, Dr. Angmo has alleged that Wangchuk is effectively under detention in the hospital under the pretext of medical treatment. She stated that the family has lost confidence in the medical care being provided at Safdarjung Hospital and wants him shifted to a private hospital of their choice.

According to the plea, despite repeated representations, hospital authorities have neither discharged the activist nor permitted his transfer. The petition argues that Wangchuk's continued stay at the government hospital is against his wishes and raises concerns about his personal liberty and medical autonomy.

Safdarjung Hospital Says Condition Stable

Responding to the controversy, Safdarjung Hospital issued a medical bulletin on Sunday morning stating that Wangchuk is receiving appropriate treatment under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team.

According to the hospital, his vital signs remain stable, although certain blood parameters continue to show mild abnormalities due to the prolonged fast. Doctors said the activist requires continuous medical monitoring because extended fasting can place severe physiological stress on the body.

The hospital also noted that Wangchuk has refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution (ORS), and medication, making close medical supervision essential.

Wangchuk Calls Parliament March 'India's Second Freedom Movement'

Amid the legal proceedings, Wangchuk released a handwritten message through his wife on social media platform X, urging supporters to make the planned Parliament march on 20 July a success.

Describing the campaign as "India's second freedom movement," Wangchuk appealed to citizens to unite against what he called injustice, fear, paper leaks and the alleged misuse of power. The note was reportedly written from Safdarjung Hospital, where he referred to his stay as an "illegal detention."

The activist's appeal has intensified political attention around the protest, with supporters preparing to participate in the march during the opening of Parliament's Monsoon Session.

Hunger Strike Continues Amid Growing Attention

Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite fast for over three weeks, maintaining that his protest is aimed at ensuring greater accountability in public institutions and highlighting concerns over examination irregularities.

His deteriorating health, coupled with the legal battle over his treatment and continued hospitalisation, has drawn widespread attention from civil society groups and political observers. The outcome of Sunday's High Court hearing is expected to determine whether Wangchuk can be shifted to a private medical facility while continuing his protest.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Central and Delhi governments on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent intervention to safeguard the health of climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for the past 18 days.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued notices to both governments after the matter was mentioned for urgent hearing. The petition, filed by activist-lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini, has been listed for further hearing on Thursday.

PIL Raises Concern Over Deteriorating Health

According to the petition, Wangchuk has lost around 8.25 kilograms since beginning his indefinite fast and is reportedly experiencing recurrent episodes of low blood sugar, dizziness, severe weakness and muscle loss.

The plea warns that his condition is deteriorating rapidly and urges immediate intervention to protect his life while respecting his democratic right to protest.

The court has sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi government before taking further action in the matter.

Fast Linked to Education and Ladakh Demands

Wangchuk began the indefinite hunger strike on June 28 after claiming that the Centre did not respond to his demands within the deadline he had set.

His key demands include the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh through Sixth Schedule status and full statehood.

Earlier, Wangchuk had indicated that discussions with the Centre on Ladakh-related issues had shown progress and suggested that the remaining issues could be resolved during the Monsoon Session if the government initiated dialogue.

According to organisers, Wangchuk has been consuming only water and salt during the fast.

Support Grows for Protest

Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a one-day mass hunger strike on July 16 in solidarity with Wangchuk and students supporting the protest.

CJP founder Abhijit Dipke shared an appeal attributed to Wangchuk, stating that instead of urging him to end the fast, people should ask the government why dialogue has not begun.

The protest at Jantar Mantar has continued to draw supporters from civil society, student organisations and activists.

History of Similar Protests

Wangchuk has previously undertaken several hunger strikes and protest marches demanding constitutional protections for Ladakh.

His past campaigns include an eight-day fast in Leh in 2023, the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra' in 2024, another hunger strike in Delhi later that year, and a 35-day fast in 2025.

Following protests in Leh in September 2025, Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act and remained in custody for nearly six months before being released in March 2026.

Court to Hear Matter Again

With concerns mounting over Wangchuk's health, the Delhi High Court is expected to hear the matter again on Thursday after receiving preliminary responses from the governments.

The outcome of the hearing could determine whether any immediate medical or administrative intervention is directed while the protest continues.

Lieutenant Governor Tarunjit Singh Sandhu attended the event as the chief guest and took the salute during the parade. Senior police officers, including Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, along with serving personnel, veterans and invited citizens, were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Sandhu said the nature of crime in Delhi is changing rapidly and requires law enforcement agencies to continuously adapt their strategies. He noted that maintaining law and order in a city as large and complex as Delhi involves not only crime control but also ensuring the safety and confidence of citizens.

The Lieutenant Governor stressed that policing must become increasingly transparent, accountable and citizen-focused. According to him, public trust remains one of the most important foundations of effective policing, and strengthening that trust should remain a priority for the force.

He underlined four key principles that, in his view, should guide modern policing—visibility, humanity, integrity and technology-driven operations. Sandhu said a police force that remains accessible to people, acts with sensitivity and embraces technological advancements is better equipped to respond to emerging challenges.

The event also served as an opportunity to showcase the commitment and preparedness of Delhi Police personnel. Parade contingents displayed discipline and coordination, reflecting the force’s operational readiness and professional standards.

Referring to emerging threats, Sandhu said technological innovation is becoming increasingly important in law enforcement. He emphasized the need for police personnel to remain updated with modern tools and investigative methods, particularly in areas such as cybercrime, digital surveillance, data analysis and intelligence gathering.

Officials present at the ceremony highlighted the importance of continuous training and skill development for police personnel. As crime patterns evolve, law enforcement agencies are required to enhance both technological capabilities and field-level response mechanisms.

The Lieutenant Governor also spoke about the importance of community participation in crime prevention. He said effective policing cannot function in isolation and requires active cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies. Public awareness, timely reporting of suspicious activities and constructive engagement with police can significantly strengthen security efforts, he added.

According to officials, Delhi Police has increasingly focused on integrating technology into its operations while expanding community outreach programmes. The force has also been working on improving public service delivery and enhancing responsiveness through digital platforms and modern communication systems.

Commissionerate Day is observed as a significant occasion for Delhi Police, recognizing the contributions of officers and personnel who work across various units responsible for law and order, traffic management, crime investigation, security operations and emergency response in the capital.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed emphasis on professional excellence, public service and innovation in policing. Officials reiterated that Delhi Police remains committed to creating a safer environment for residents while adapting to the challenges posed by a rapidly changing urban landscape.

As Delhi continues to expand and face new security concerns, the focus on technology, accountability and citizen engagement is expected to remain central to the force’s long-term strategy.

The demonstration, being held under the banner of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), is centred on demands related to changes in the education system and calls for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest has drawn students, activists and supporters from different parts of the country over the past several days.

According to information shared by the organisers, Wangchuk is currently on the fourth day of his hunger strike. They claimed that he has lost weight since beginning the fast and that his blood pressure has been steadily declining. Medical professionals monitoring his condition are conducting regular health checks, including blood pressure, blood sugar and oxygen level assessments.

Organisers said updates regarding Wangchuk’s health would continue to be released as the protest progresses. While no official medical bulletin from an independent authority was immediately available, concerns about his condition have become a central focus of the ongoing agitation.

Attention has also shifted to other participants involved in the hunger strike. Protest organisers expressed particular concern about a student identified as Anish, who has reportedly been fasting for seven days. They said his energy levels have fallen significantly and that his health condition remains a matter of concern.

Abhijeet Deepke, identified by organisers as the founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, urged authorities to engage with the concerns being raised by protesters. He argued that the issues highlighted by students and young participants should receive greater attention and called for a response from the government.

The protest site at Jantar Mantar continued to witness gatherings of supporters throughout the day. Participants addressed crowds from the stage, while volunteers appealed to visitors and citizens to support the movement. Demonstrators described the campaign as an effort to push for reforms that they believe are necessary for the future of education and public policy.

Supporters arriving at the venue included students, social activists and representatives from various groups. Many participants said the movement extends beyond individual demands and reflects broader concerns about education, opportunities for young people and public accountability.

Jantar Mantar has long served as a focal point for public demonstrations in the national capital, and the current protest has added to a series of ongoing debates around education policy and youth participation in public discourse. The presence of Wangchuk, who is known for his work in education and sustainable development, has further increased public attention on the agitation.

Despite growing concerns over the health of hunger strikers, organisers indicated that the protest would continue. They maintained that the agitation would remain peaceful and would not be withdrawn unless meaningful action is taken on their demands.

No official response from the Union Education Ministry regarding the specific demands raised at the protest was immediately available at the time of reporting. Further developments are expected as authorities monitor the situation and protesters continue their demonstration.

With health concerns becoming increasingly prominent, attention is now focused on whether discussions between the organisers and government representatives will take place in the coming days.

 In a major twist in the ongoing investigation into the murder of an 11-year-old girl in South Delhi, medical evaluation reports have revealed that the prime accused suffers from erectile dysfunction. Police sources confirmed on Thursday that a comprehensive medical examination proved the accused cab driver, identified as Bashu Kumar Singh, is clinically impotent.

During sustained interrogation following his arrest, Singh reportedly confessed to investigators that he had initially abducted the minor with the intent to sexual assault her on the rear seat of his commercial vehicle. However, due to his medical condition, he failed to execute the assault.

Fearing exposure, the accused allegedly threatened the child with dire consequences to keep her from screaming, drove her to a deserted forest patch near the Faridabad-Gurugram border, and brutally murdered her before concealing the body beneath a pile of heavy stones.

Victim Woke Up Screaming; Father Chased Cab

The harrowing sequence of events began early Monday morning when the victim's family of five was sleeping on a footpath near CDR Chowk. The 11-year-old was sleeping right beside her parents when the accused parked his app-based cab with the rear door already open.

According to the police tracking timeline:

• Abduction: Singh stealthily scooped the sleeping child into his lap and laid her onto the back seat of the commercial vehicle.

• The Chase: As the car sped away, the girl woke up and screamed out for her father. The screams alerted the sleeping family. The victim's father desperately chased the fleeing vehicle, hurling sticks to force it to a halt, but the cab managed to break away.

• The Route: The distraught father could only identify that the vehicle bore a yellow commercial registration plate. Investigators later established that the accused drove the panicked child for approximately 10 to 12 kilometers toward Mandi Road near Fatehpur Beri.

Accused Cleaned Up and Returned to Work Before Arrest

Following the murder and disposal of the body at the interstate border, the accused drove back to his rented accommodation in Gurugram. In a display of chilling normalcy, Singh changed his clothes and immediately returned to the streets to resume his regular duties as a cab driver.

The breakthrough came within a matter of hours. A dedicated police team mapped out digital footprints by reviewing CCTV cameras installed across commercial establishments near the abduction site. Tracing the trajectory of the yellow-plate vehicle led them directly to Singh's hideout, resulting in his swift arrest.

Shot in the Leg During Custodial Escape Attempt

The development comes a day after Singh was shot in the left leg during a police encounter on Wednesday. The confrontation took place when an investigative unit escorted the accused back to the dense forest patch to recreate the crime scene and recover forensic links.

"While the team was mapping out the terrain, the accused attempted to overpower the accompanying personnel and break custody to flee. Officers opened fire in self-defense and to stop his escape, hitting him in the leg," a senior Delhi Police official stated.

Images from the encounter site showed security personnel carrying the wounded suspect out of the rugged terrain on their shoulders. Singh is currently admitted to a state-run medical facility under heavy guard, where he remains under treatment while legal sections are being upgraded following his detailed confessions.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of vulnerable children living on the streets in the national capital. Police say the investigation is progressing rapidly and forensic evidence is being examined.

An 11-year-old girl was allegedly abducted and killed in Delhi's Mehrauli area, prompting swift police action that led to the arrest of a cab driver within hours of her disappearance. According to police, the child went missing early Monday morning, after which her family alerted authorities through a PCR call. Investigators launched an immediate search operation using CCTV footage, local intelligence and technical inputs. The accused was later taken into custody, and the girl's body was recovered based on information provided during questioning. Police have sent the body for post-mortem examination and initiated further legal proceedings. The case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by economically vulnerable families living in public spaces across the city.

According to officials, the victim belonged to a family that survived through daily wage work and informal street vending. The girl reportedly sold balloons and other small items to support her family. Her parents work as daily labourers and have been living on a footpath after facing financial difficulties.

Police said the missing child report was received around 6 a.m. on Monday. Following the complaint, investigators reviewed surveillance footage and gathered information from multiple sources, eventually identifying a suspect.

Investigation Moves Quickly

Authorities stated that the accused, an app-based cab driver, was detained and questioned shortly after being identified. During the investigation, police recovered the girl's body from a forested area in Mehrauli based on the suspect's disclosure.

Officials said forensic evidence and the post-mortem report will play a crucial role in determining the sequence of events and strengthening the prosecution's case. Further investigation remains underway.

Family Background

According to police sources, the victim's family originally hails from Bihar and had previously lived in rented accommodation. Financial hardship reportedly forced them to vacate their home, after which they began living on the roadside.

Police records indicate that the accused is also from Bihar. Authorities said he had previously faced cases related to assault and driving under the influence, though investigators are examining whether those incidents have any connection to the current case.

Concerns Over Child Safety

The case has renewed concerns about the safety of children living in vulnerable conditions in urban areas. Child rights advocates have repeatedly called for stronger protection mechanisms for families residing on footpaths and in temporary settlements.

Officials said relevant legal provisions relating to the alleged crimes have been invoked and the investigation is being monitored closely. Once the inquiry is completed, a detailed chargesheet will be filed before the court. The case remains under active investigation by Delhi Police.