Delhi Model Murder: Accused Imran Was Booked Under POCSO Act in 2018
Mohammad Imran alias Aqib, the gym trainer accused of murdering 21-year-old model and student Muskan Sharma in west Delhi’s Tilak Nagar, had previously been booked under the Protection of Children from S*xual Offences (POCSO) Act in 2018 for allegedly s*xually harassing a minor, police sources said.
The man accused of killing 21-year-old Delhi University student and model Muskan Sharma in west Delhi had previously been booked under the Protection of Children from S*xual Offences (POCSO) Act in 2018, police have said. The disclosure has emerged as investigators probe the criminal history and movements of Mohammad Imran alias Aqib following his arrest after a police encounter in Rajouri Garden, TOI reported.
Imran, a gym trainer, was injured in both legs during an exchange of fire with police on Thursday night. Police said he opened fire when a team attempted to apprehend him near the sub-registrar's office in Rajouri Garden. He was subsequently taken to hospital and remains under treatment. Delhi Model Murder: Prime Accused Imran Arrested After Police Encounter.
Earlier POCSO Case
According to the police inquiry, Imran was booked in 2018 in Tilak Nagar for allegedly s*xually harassing a minor. The case also included allegations relating to voluntarily causing hurt, stalking, outraging the modesty of a woman and common intention.
The disclosure has added another layer to the investigation as police examine the accused's previous cases and conduct. Police also said Imran had been involved in another case in 2021 involving allegations of assault and culpable homicide. Delhi Murder Case: 21-Year-Old Woman Stabbed to Death in Tilak Nagar, Gym Trainer Suspect on the Run.
2021 Assault Case
According to police, the 2021 case stemmed from an alleged assault in October 2020. The complainant told police that Imran struck him on the head with a stone slab and later hit him on the nose while he was lying on the ground.
The victim suffered serious head injuries and was hospitalised for six days, police said. A case was subsequently registered in 2021 following a court order.
Arrest After Police Encounter
The latest investigation followed the killing of Muskan at her residence in Tilak Nagar on Wednesday. After the alleged murder, police said Imran fled the area and repeatedly changed locations. Multiple teams were deployed across west Delhi and adjoining areas to locate him.
Police eventually spotted him near the sub-registrar's office in Rajouri Garden on Thursday evening. Officials said he fired at the police team when they tried to arrest him, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
Eleven rounds were fired during the encounter, according to police. Imran allegedly fired four rounds, while police fired seven, three of which struck him in the knees.
Investigation Into Muskan's Murder
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Muskan's death and the possible motive behind the attack. Investigators suspect that Imran was angry after Muskan stopped responding to his calls and blocked him on social media. Police are also examining whether he contacted her through different numbers after being blocked.
According to police, Imran also suspected that Muskan was speaking to another man. Investigators are examining whether jealousy played a role in the alleged murder. Police are also investigating whether Imran had posted a live video on social media shortly before the killing in which he allegedly threatened Muskan.
Digital Evidence Under Probe
Police suspect Imran took Muskan's iPhone after the alleged killing, possibly in an attempt to delete messages or chats and prevent the recovery of a digital trail. Investigators are also examining his social media activity, including posts and videos on his Instagram account, as part of the broader probe.
As Imran is currently hospitalised, investigators have not yet been able to question him about the alleged murder, the source of the firearm or the circumstances that led to the killing. The investigation is continuing, with police examining his previous criminal cases, digital records and interactions with Muskan before her death.
Women and Child Helpline Numbers:
Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2026 07:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
