A week after a shocking cafe shooting in northeast Delhi and an even more disturbing confession video surfaced on social media, the alleged shooter was finally arrested following a brief gunfight with police in north Delhi early Friday morning.
The arrest brought an end to a case that had sparked fear, outrage, and widespread attention after the accused openly admitted to the killing on Instagram before vanishing.
The Cafe Shooting That Shocked Kabir Nagar
A Public Murder in Front of Witnesses
On the night of January 23, around 10 pm, panic broke out on 100 Foot Road in Kabir Nagar when gunshots rang out at a popular local spot, King Cafe.
Faizan, also known as Fazzi, a 24-year-old man, was shot dead in front of multiple people. Witnesses reported chaos as customers and passersby ran for cover. Faizan collapsed on the spot and later succumbed to his injuries.
Police from Welcome police station arrived soon after and registered a case of murder and firing. Given the public nature of the crime and the fear it caused, the investigation was quickly taken up on priority.
A Confession That Played Out on Instagram
Accused Admits to Killing, Then Disappears
What made the case stand out was what happened the very next day.
The alleged shooter, Mohammad Moin Qureshi, 23, posted a video on Instagram in which he openly confessed to shooting Faizan. In the video, he claimed the murder was the result of a personal grudge and not linked to money or gang rivalry.
He also stated that his family members and friends had nothing to do with the crime and insisted he acted alone. According to police, Qureshi said Faizan had slapped him a few months earlier, which fueled his anger and led to the shooting.
Soon after posting the video, Qureshi went underground. The confession clip was later deleted, but by then it had already been seen and recorded by investigators.
Police Track the Accused Using CCTV and Intelligence
The Hunt Begins
Following the confession video, the Special Cell of Delhi Police took over the investigation. Officers began piecing together Qureshi’s movements using CCTV footage from multiple locations around Kabir Nagar and nearby areas.
Investigators confirmed his identity through surveillance footage captured on the night of the shooting. His escape routes, possible hideouts, and contacts were mapped out.
For nearly a week, Qureshi managed to stay off the radar, frequently changing locations and avoiding known associates.
Tip-Off Leads to Late-Night Operation
Trap Laid in North Delhi
On Thursday night, the Special Cell’s New Delhi Range team received specific intelligence about Qureshi’s movement. Police were informed that he would arrive in the Timarpur area near ITI Dheerpur to collect money.
According to investigators, the money was meant to help him flee Delhi.
Acting on the information, a police team laid a trap in the area and waited through the night.
Gunfight Ends the Manhunt
Accused Shot in the Leg During Encounter
In the early hours of Friday, Qureshi arrived at the location on a motorcycle. Police officers identified him and asked him to surrender.
Instead of complying, Qureshi allegedly opened fire at the police team.
Officers retaliated in self-defence. During the brief exchange of fire, Qureshi was shot in his left leg and fell to the ground. He was immediately overpowered and taken into custody.
Police later recovered a semi-automatic pistol and a Hero motorcycle from his possession.
He was shifted to hospital for treatment under police guard.
What Police Say About the Motive
Conflicting Versions Emerge
While Qureshi initially claimed the murder was due to a personal insult, police say further questioning revealed additional details.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Amit Kaushik, Qureshi told investigators that he had borrowed ₹30,000 from Faizan and was unable to repay it.
Police said Faizan allegedly misbehaved with Qureshi’s father over the unpaid money, which deeply angered him. Following this incident, Qureshi arranged a pistol and planned the attack.
This version contrasts with Qureshi’s public claim in the Instagram video, where he denied any financial dispute.
Investigators are now verifying both accounts and examining call records, messages, and witness statements to establish the full sequence of events.
Weapon and Evidence Seized
Key Clues in Police Custody
The semi-automatic pistol recovered during the arrest is being examined to confirm whether it was used in the cafe shooting.
The motorcycle used by Qureshi is also being checked to trace his movements before and after the crime.
Police are questioning individuals who may have helped him hide or arranged funds for his escape.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
Crime in Public Places Raises Alarm
The murder, carried out at a cafe in front of multiple witnesses, has raised serious concerns about public safety in the area.
Residents of Kabir Nagar said the incident left them shaken, especially since the accused was able to remain at large for several days after openly confessing online.
Police officials have assured residents that strict action is being taken and that those who assist criminals will also face consequences.
What Happens Next
Legal Proceedings to Follow
Qureshi will be produced before a court once he is declared medically fit. Police are expected to seek his custody for further interrogation.
Investigators aim to reconstruct the crime, verify the motive, and identify whether anyone else played a role in helping him evade arrest.
The case will also examine how social media was used by the accused and whether any legal violations occurred in the process.
A Case That Highlights a Dangerous Trend
The incident underscores a troubling trend where crimes are not only committed in public but also confessed online, amplifying fear and attention.
For police, the case highlights the growing challenge of tracking suspects who use social media both to broadcast and to disappear.
For the public, it serves as a grim reminder of how quickly personal disputes can escalate into irreversible violence.
