A 16-year-old boy died after falling from a plastic shed at a restaurant in north Delhi’s Gujranwala Town near Ashok Vihar, with his family alleging foul play even as police said preliminary findings point to an accidental fall.

The incident occurred on December 28 at the Invitation Restaurant in Gujranwala Town. Police said they received a PCR call at around 5.51 pm at the Model Town police station, reporting that a teenager had fallen from a height on the restaurant premises.

Teen identified, was with friends

The deceased has been identified as Kabin Kumar (16), son of Rahul Kumar and a resident of Gujranwala Town-2. According to police, Kabin had gone to the restaurant along with his friends Aryamen, Kabir and Yash Tyagi to spend time together.

Police officials said the group accessed the rooftop area of the restaurant using the staircase. During this time, Kabin reportedly climbed onto a plastic shed installed between two shops, which was meant to serve as a gallery covering.

Plastic shed collapsed, police say accidental fall

Preliminary inquiry suggests that Kabin lost balance while on the plastic shed, which was not designed to bear weight. He subsequently fell from a height and sustained critical injuries.

The teenager was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead due to the severity of his injuries.

Police said there were no immediate signs of struggle or violence at the scene, and the initial assessment indicates an accidental fall. However, officials stressed that the investigation is still at an early stage.

Family alleges foul play, seeks thorough probe

Kabin’s family has alleged foul play and demanded a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to his death. They have questioned how a minor could access unsafe structures within a commercial establishment.

Police said statements of the friends who were present at the time of the incident are being recorded to establish a clear sequence of events. CCTV footage from the restaurant and nearby areas is also being examined.

Investigation continues

Officials said all angles will be thoroughly examined before drawing any conclusions. The post-mortem report and additional evidence are expected to play a crucial role in determining the exact cause of death.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of makeshift structures such as plastic sheds in crowded commercial areas, particularly those accessible to the public without adequate safeguards.