In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through Faridabad, Haryana, a teenage girl was shot by a stalker in broad daylight while returning from her library. The attack, which occurred on Monday evening, was captured on CCTV cameras and revealed the calculated nature of the assault, highlighting the dangers faced by women and girls even in seemingly familiar spaces.

The victim, a Class 12 student of a private school, sustained bullet and splinter injuries to her left forearm and shoulder. She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where officials confirmed that her condition is stable. While the girl survived, the incident underscores the growing concern of targeted violence against young women in urban areas.

The Attack as Seen on CCTV

CCTV footage of the incident shows the boy waiting near a parked motorbike as the girl walks past, talking on her phone. Moments later, the suspect approaches her and opens fire, causing passersby to flee in panic. The assailant, known to the victim, aimed at her head from close range but miraculously missed. Witnesses described the scene as terrifying, with bystanders frozen in shock as the girl cried out in pain.

Police confirmed that the country-made pistol used in the attack was recovered at the scene. After firing at the girl, the suspect fled on a motorcycle, evading capture despite multiple police raids being launched to apprehend him. Authorities have registered an attempted murder case against him based on the victim’s statement.

Background: Motive Behind the Attack

According to Inspector Shamsher Singh, station house officer (SHO) of City Ballabgarh police station, the girl had known the boy for nearly a year. He often came to the same library as part of his studies, during which he had developed an obsession with her. The victim told police that she had stopped communicating with him for roughly two weeks, which allegedly angered him.

“The girl had stopped talking to him for a fortnight, which seems to have irked him. Unable to tolerate rejection, the suspect opened fire on her with the apparent motive to kill,” Singh told reporters. The CCTV footage corroborates this, showing the deliberate nature of the attack and the boy aiming at her head from very close range.

The SHO emphasized that the suspect had been waiting specifically for the girl outside the library, indicating premeditation. “This was not a random act of violence but a planned attack stemming from unreciprocated attention,” he said.

Immediate Aftermath and Police Response

Police teams were alerted around 5:30 pm on Monday. The victim, despite her injuries, provided a detailed account of the attack, which helped authorities quickly identify the suspect. While he remains at large, the police are conducting coordinated raids across the city to ensure his apprehension.

The recovery of the country-made pistol at the scene is a crucial lead, as it not only confirms the method used in the attack but may also help trace the origins of the weapon. Law enforcement officials have stressed the urgency of bringing the suspect to justice to prevent further incidents.

Wider Context: Rising Youth Violence in Faridabad

This attack is not an isolated incident in the city. Reports indicate a troubling trend of violent crimes involving teenagers in Faridabad. Just last week, two unrelated stabbing incidents occurred, drawing attention to the vulnerability of minors in the area.

In the first incident, a 16-year-old boy named Himanshu Verma was stabbed in the waist while chasing bike-borne snatchers who had allegedly stolen his mobile phone in the Sanjay Colony area. The teenager was admitted to a private hospital in critical condition.

In the second, a 15-year-old boy named Utkarsh, a Class 9 student of Vishwas Convent School, was attacked with a knife outside his school in Dabua Colony. Utkarsh sustained deep stab wounds to his chest and arm and required immediate hospitalization.

Together, these incidents paint a grim picture of the rising violence against young people in the city, ranging from theft-related attacks to targeted assaults stemming from personal disputes.

Impact on the Community

The shooting of the young girl has caused widespread alarm in Faridabad, particularly among parents and school authorities. It underscores the risks that students face while commuting to and from schools and libraries, even in broad daylight. Local residents have expressed outrage over the attack, calling for enhanced security measures, better police patrolling, and stricter enforcement against the possession of illegal firearms.

Education institutions in the area have reportedly increased security, with some schools coordinating with local police to ensure safe passage for students. The incident has also prompted community discussions on how to address stalking, harassment, and youth violence in urban neighborhoods.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

The attempted murder case has been registered at the City Ballabgarh police station. Investigators are working to identify and apprehend the suspect, who remains at large. The prompt registration of the case, coupled with the evidence from CCTV footage and the recovered weapon, is expected to expedite legal proceedings once the suspect is caught.

Authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information about the suspect’s whereabouts. Meanwhile, the police have reassured residents that they are prioritizing this case and are conducting door-to-door inquiries in neighborhoods surrounding the library.

Conclusion

The shooting of a teenage girl in Faridabad highlights the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures against stalking and gender-based violence. While the girl has survived the attack, the trauma she experienced underscores the vulnerability of young individuals to premeditated violence in public spaces.

As the police intensify their search for the suspect, the community remains vigilant, demanding swift action and stronger safeguards to protect students and young residents. This incident, along with other recent violent attacks on teenagers in the city, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by urban areas in ensuring the safety and security of their youth.