A 32-year-old man, hospitalized for over a month at GTB Hospital in Dilshad Garden, was fatally shot on Sunday afternoon by an 18-year-old assailant who stormed into the ward, terrifying patients, the on-duty doctor, and attendants, according to police. The attacker also threatened the doctor and the victim’s sister with his gun before escaping, the police added. Authorities believe the murder was a case of mistaken identity, as the shooter intended to target a different man admitted to another ward.
The deceased, identified as Riyazuddin from Khajuri Khas, was admitted on June 23 for an abdominal infection and succumbed to three bullet wounds in his abdomen. DCP (Shahdara) Surender Chowdhary reported that a PCR call about a shooting at ward number 24 was received at GTB Enclave Police Station around 4:30 pm. An officer noted that the shooter had intended to kill another man but mistakenly targeted Riyazuddin.
Riyazuddin’s relatives mentioned he had undergone surgery for an abdominal infection 15 days prior. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that negligence would not be tolerated and those responsible would face consequences, with hospital security undergoing review.
Around 4 pm, the teenage shooter entered the hospital while two accomplices stood guard near the parking area, which staffers noted is typically unguarded. The main gallery has security cameras, but the female security guard outside the ward was on a lunch break 15 minutes before the incident, according to an officer.
Based on witness accounts, an officer said the shooter aimed at the sister of the deceased and Dr. Isha, who both ducked, prompting the shooter to flee. An eyewitness reported that three patients and their attendants were present during the incident. The wife of the intended target has requested increased security, an official said.
Riyazuddin’s relatives shared that he previously ran a dental clinic in Khajuri Khas but turned to alcohol and developed a stomach infection three years ago. A security guard on duty at the time of the incident recounted hearing the female security in-charge scream about the shooting in ward 24, and by the time he arrived, the shooter had already escaped.
An officer stated, “The doctor was dressing the victim’s wound while his mother was at the canteen. His sister Tarannum was attending to him.” The police added that the accused, who carried a revolver, has not yet been arrested. An FIR has been filed under relevant sections.
The officer noted, “It seems the accused was instructed to kill someone with a female attendant. Both the deceased and the intended target had female attendants, their wife and sister respectively, and both looked similar.”
The official spokesperson of GTB Hospital announced that security around the hospital has been increased.
Meanwhile, the resident doctors’ association at GTB Hospital has declared an indefinite strike due to safety concerns. They stated that emergency services will remain operational, but they will not participate in other services.
