Congolese national killed in Delhi, one held

New Delhi, May 21 (IANS) A Congolese national was beaten to death by three youths after a verbal altercation over the hiring of an auto-rickshaw here, police said on Saturday. One accused has been arrested while two are absconding.

Masonda Ketada Olivier, 29, was mercilessly beaten by the trio around 11.30 p.m. on Friday near Kishangarh village in Vasant Kunj area in south Delhi. Olivier was hit on the head with a brick, leading to his death.

Passers-by informed the police who shifted the victim to the Jaiprakash Narayan Trauma Centre where doctors declared him brought dead.

"Mobin Azad Saifi, previously involved in a criminal case, has been arrested while two accused, Mukesh and Prakash, are still on the run," Deputy Commissioner of Police Ishwar Singh said.

He said Mukesh was involved in a cheating case while Prakash is a driver by profession. "All the accused reside in south Delhi’s Mehrauli and Chhatarpur areas."

The officer said an argument ensued between the foreign national, who wished to go to South Extension in south Delhi where he resided in a rented accommodation, and the three accused over the hiring of an auto-rickshaw.

The three suspects wanted to hire the same auto-rickshaw the victim was negotiating the fare with.

"A brawl ensued after a verbal duel and the victim was mercilessly beaten up. He was hit in his head with a stone, after which he started bleeding profusely. He died when shifted to a hospital."

The officer said the accused roughed up four-five passers-by too as they tried to intervene to save the victim, who taught foreign languages at a private institute.