Chandigarh Teen Murder Probe: Feud Traced to Social Media Clash
Police in Chandigarh say they have uncovered the motive behind the murder of Naitik in Sector-22, pointing to an old rivalry between two minors. One suspect has been taken into custody and a pistol has been recovered.
The accused claims that Naitik and his friend assaulted him in Sector-34 roughly an hour before the attack, and that they posted a video of the incident on Instagram. Angry over the humiliation, he allegedly gathered his friends and followed Naitik. About an hour after the earlier clash, he is accused of shooting Naitik near the Sanatan Dharma Temple in Sector-22.
Police are probing how many individuals were part of the attack with the accused.
Firing on the auto near home
Naitik and a friend were heading back home to Sector-22 by auto-rickshaw from Sector-34 when bike-riding youths began tailing them. Sensing danger as they neared the house, Naitik asked the driver, Sikandar Paswan, to accelerate.
The accused allegedly fired three rounds at the vehicle. A bullet pierced the driver's shoulder and went through the front glass. Another bullet hit Naitik in the chest. He was taken to hospital in a grave condition and later died during treatment. The driver is currently receiving treatment at GMSH-16, while Naitik's friend escaped unhurt.
Rivalry carried over to new school
Naitik was a Class 11 student at SD School in Sector-32. He had earlier studied at St. Joseph School, where the conflict is believed to have begun. Repeated arguments and scuffles were reportedly recorded between the two.
Police have learnt that the pair allegedly recorded and circulated videos of each other online. After the tension intensified, Naitik's family arranged a school transfer. A dispute involving a classmate has also emerged, which police are verifying along with other possible factors.
Suspect arrested, pistol seized
The Operation Cell of Chandigarh Police accelerated its investigation following the killing. On the basis of clues collected from the spot, dashcam footage and eyewitness information, a 17-year-old accused was detained. Police have allegedly seized a .32 bore pistol from him.
A case has been registered under murder and Arms Act sections. Investigators are now trying to trace the source of the weapon and establish the full list of people involved.
The incident has highlighted the troubling rise of violence among minors and the risks of airing personal grievances on social media platforms.