In a sensational development in the Seelampur murder case, Zikra, widely known in the area by her moniker 'Lady Don', has claimed innocence and alleged that she is being wrongfully framed by local witnesses and authorities. The case revolves around the gruesome killing of 17-year-old Kunal, who was stabbed to death in broad daylight in the Jhuggi J-Block area of Seelampur, New Delhi, on April 17, 2025.

The incident has rocked the local community and sparked an intense investigation by the Delhi Police, who have now taken nine individuals into custody, including women and minors. The main accused, Zikra, was apprehended on the evening of April 18, a day after the fatal attack. During her court appearance, she boldly claimed, “I did not kill Kunal. I am being framed unnecessarily.”

Details of the Crime

According to the police, Kunal, a resident of New Seelampur, was attacked and stabbed multiple times around J-Block, Jhuggi, on April 17. His family rushed him to JPC Hospital, but he was declared brought dead. Following the incident, a case was registered under Sections 103(1) (murder) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Seelampur police station.

Police suspect old enmity was the motive behind the murder. As per early findings, Zikra and her associates allegedly had a past confrontation with Kunal, which escalated into this pre-planned act of violence.

Zikra’s Arrest and Court Proceedings

The Karkardooma Court in Delhi remanded Zikra into police custody for two days following her arrest. Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC Anmol Noharia) considered the Delhi Police’s submission that Zikra was one of the key conspirators.

Police said statements from multiple eyewitnesses indicated her involvement. Investigative teams argued that Zikra’s leadership and influence in the locality allowed her to orchestrate and mobilise the individuals involved in the murder plot.

Despite these claims, Zikra told the court that she had no involvement in the attack and is being used as a scapegoat due to her notorious reputation.

Nine Arrested: Who Are the Accused?

The Delhi Police have identified and arrested the following individuals in connection with the case:

• Zikra (Main accused)

• Sahil (18)

• Zahida (42)

• Nafish (32)

• Sohaib (35)

• Aneesh (19)

• Vikas (29)

• Two minors, aged 17 and 15, classified as Children in Conflict with Law (CCLs)

The police executed multiple raids across Delhi-NCR including areas like Ghaziabad, Moradabad, Meerut, and Amroha in Uttar Pradesh. The arrests were made on April 20 based on technical surveillance, local intelligence, and witness testimonies.

Evidence Collected by Police

Authorities claim they have gathered sufficient evidence, including mobile data, location records, and witness statements that suggest a planned conspiracy. It is believed that Zikra, along with Sahil and the two minors, strategised and executed the stabbing with clear intent to kill.

Police say the murder was not a spontaneous act but the culmination of a long-standing personal dispute, potentially involving issues of territorial dominance and personal vendetta.

Zikra’s Criminal Past

Zikra, dubbed ‘Lady Don’ by locals, has reportedly been on the police radar in the past for her alleged involvement in illegal activities, including extortion, local gang disputes, and intimidation. However, she has never been formally convicted, and her notoriety has often been described as media-amplified.

Her arrest in this high-profile case has further deepened the narrative surrounding her influence in Seelampur. Still, her claims of being framed are raising questions about the quality and objectivity of the investigation, especially in a community where tensions and turf wars often blur the line between truth and hearsay.

Reaction from Locals and Community

The Seelampur community remains deeply divided. Some residents believe Zikra may indeed be innocent and is being targeted due to her reputation, while others insist she has long ruled through fear, and the murder is simply an extension of her criminal conduct.

Calls have emerged from both sides for a fair and transparent investigation, with some community leaders requesting external oversight due to rising mistrust in local policing.

What’s Next in the Case?

With Zikra in police custody, the next few days will be critical. The Delhi Police are expected to seek further remand or move toward filing a chargesheet based on the forensic and testimonial evidence they are compiling.

Meanwhile, police sources say they are reviewing CCTV footage, analysing call detail records, and verifying the sequence of events leading to Kunal’s death. A special task force may be formed if the case expands beyond the currently identified accused.

Conclusion

The Seelampur murder case continues to unravel, and the arrest of Zikra, who claims innocence despite being dubbed a notorious criminal figure, adds a complex dimension to the investigation. As the judicial process unfolds, public sentiment, media scrutiny, and legal oversight will play key roles in determining whether this is a case of genuine criminal conspiracy or misdirected blame based on reputation.

Regardless, the tragedy remains: a 17-year-old boy has lost his life, and justice—whether through proving guilt or confirming innocence—must be served swiftly and fairly.

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