A 24-year-old man was killed, and two others were critically injured after a group of assailants launched a brutal knife attack at a petrol pump in the Lado Sarai area of south Delhi, police said on Sunday.

According to officials, the victims, three friends who worked as auto drivers, had arrived at the petrol pump on their motorcycle to refuel when they were suddenly attacked by a group of around 10 to 15 people. Armed with knives, the assailants allegedly stabbed the trio multiple times before fleeing the spot.

The victim has been identified as Ali Aman (24), who succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Police said he was stabbed nearly 20 times. One of the injured, Sufiyan (23), sustained around eight stab wounds and is currently admitted to the intensive care unit. The third victim, Hrithik, was also stabbed repeatedly between 12 and 15 times and remains in critical condition. Both injured men have been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital.

Eyewitnesses said the attack occurred around 11 pm when the petrol pump was crowded. However, despite the presence of several people, no one reportedly intervened as the attackers carried out the assault. The accused fled immediately after the incident.

Family members of the deceased described Ali Aman as a simple and soft-spoken young man. He is survived by two sisters and was the only brother in the family. Relatives said one of his sisters was soon to be married. They also alleged that some local youths, known for loitering in the area, had earlier tried to befriend Aman and his friends, but he kept his distance. They suspect that the same group could be behind the attack.

Police reached the spot soon after receiving information and have launched an investigation. CCTV footage from the petrol pump is being examined, and the DVR has been seized as part of the probe. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the accused.

Source: India Today