Ghaziabad (Loni), September 27: A 20-year-old youth, identified as Adil, was brutally killed by his two friends after being accused of stealing a mobile phone worth ₹3,000.
The incident took place near Nasebandi Colony Samadhi in Ankur Vihar. Police said Adil’s friend Abdul, angry over the theft, conspired with his associate Naushad to murder him.
According to ACP Ankur Vihar Gyan Prakash Rai, the accused strangled Adil before hitting him with a brick, leading to his death on August 17. He was later declared dead at a hospital.
Adil’s family had earlier raised suspicion against another friend, Sameer, who had reportedly called him before the incident. Police interrogated Sameer but later shifted focus to Abdul and Naushad.
During questioning, both initially denied involvement but eventually confessed to the crime when confronted with inconsistencies in their statements. They admitted killing Adil to settle the dispute over the stolen phone.
Adil, a factory worker engaged in bag-making, failed to return home the day of the incident, prompting his family to file a missing person complaint.
Post-mortem conducted at Delhi’s GTB Hospital confirmed death due to strangulation, matching the police investigation. Following the report on September 19, investigators intensified questioning that led to the breakthrough.
Police have arrested Abdul and Naushad, recovering evidence of their involvement. The case has highlighted concerns over petty disputes turning violent in Delhi-NCR’s suburban areas.