DEHRADUN: In a swift operation, Dehradun Police cracked the sensational broad-daylight murder of gas agency owner Arjun Sharma within 24 hours, uncovering a chilling conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by the victim’s own mother.
Five individuals, including Sharma’s mother, a prominent city doctor, and two hired shooters, have been arrested following two separate late-night police encounters.
The investigation into Wednesday morning’s shooting near the busy Tibetan Market revealed a bitter family feud over property and finances. According to police, the two primary shooters, brothers Rajiv alias Raju and Pankaj Rana, were apprehended after being shot in the legs during retaliatory firing by police in the Ladpur and Laltappar areas, respectively.
Arjun Sharma, a resident of Indira Nagar and owner of Amardeep Gas Agency on GMS Road, was shot dead around 10:30am on Wednesday. He was rushed to Doon Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. The audacious crime in a high-traffic area prompted Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh to form multiple teams to track the assailants.
The breakthrough came after the victim’s wife, Abhilasha Sharma, filed a formal complaint at Dalanwala Police Station. In her statement, she expressed strong suspicion towards her mother-in-law, Beena Sharma, citing a long-standing legal battle and financial disputes over money lending as possible motives. Based on her complaint, an FIR was registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
“The victim’s wife named Beena Sharma, Vinod Uniyal, Sangeeta Uniyal, and Dr Ajay Khanna of S.K. Memorial Hospital as suspects. She alleged that her husband’s opposition to their financial dealings led to the conspiracy,” a senior police official said.
The manhunt culminated in a dramatic series of events on Wednesday night. Acting on CCTV footage showing two men on a scooter, Raipur police intercepted Rajiv near the Ladpur forest area. “The suspect opened fire on the police team. In self-defence, the police returned fire, injuring him in the leg,” the official added. A .315 bore pistol and cartridges were recovered from his possession.
Hours later, Doiwala police spotted the second suspect, Pankaj Rana, at a checkpoint in Laltappar. Pankaj attempted to flee into the abandoned Birla Factory and opened fire on pursuing officers. He was also shot in the leg. Both brothers, residents of Chakhuwala, confessed to the murder during interrogation.
Police have confirmed the arrest of Beena Sharma and Dr Ajay Khanna, along with the two shooters and another associate. The injured shooters are currently undergoing treatment at Coronation Hospital under heavy police guard. Further investigation is underway to determine the specific roles of each conspirator and the total contract amount involved in the hit.