Cigarette row turns deadly; 3 juveniles held for murder in Jahangirpuri

New Delhi: Three minor boys have been apprehended for allegedly murdering a 26-year-old man after a quarrel over a request to fetch cigarettes in northwest Delhi's Jahangirpuri on Friday night.

The victim, Arbaj, a resident of the area, suffered a fatal stab injury in C-Block. Police said he worked as a driver occasionally. He was taken to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital, where he died during treatment.

Police said the dispute escalated into a violent confrontation. According to Arbaj's brother, the incident began around 11 pm on Eid night when either Arbaj or one of his friends asked a boy to bring cigarettes. The boy refused, and the matter appeared to end.

"Later, he returned with his brothers and got into an argument. My brother tried to defuse the situation, but it escalated," the brother said.

He alleged the accused arrived armed with knives. "They came prepared," he claimed, adding he rushed to the hospital after being informed by Arbaj's wife.

Police identified and detained all three juveniles. The knife used in the attack was recovered at the instance of one of them.

A case has been registered, and further investigations are underway.