In a major breakthrough, Uttarakhand Police arrested five individuals, including the victim’s mother and two shooters, in connection with the murder of businessman Arjun Sharma.
Sharma (42), owner of Amardeep Gas Agency, was shot dead outside Tibetan Market on Wednesday by two scooter-borne assailants.
Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh said the shooters were arrested early Thursday morning following separate encounters. Both sustained gunshot wounds to their legs and are undergoing treatment.
The shooters have been identified as brothers Rajiv Rana and Pankaj Rana. Police recovered two 315-bore pistols, cartridges, and a scooter from them.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the victim’s mother, Beena Sharma, and her associates, Vinod Uniyal and Dr Ajay Khanna, for conspiracy.
Officials stated that the murder was motivated by a long-standing property dispute. Dr Khanna had agreed to purchase Beena Sharma’s property on GMS Road for Rs 14 crore and had already transferred Rs 8 crore to Vinod Uniyal’s account. Arjun Sharma opposed the deal and obtained a court stay on the property, which created tension between him and his mother.
The shooters were reportedly paid Rs 3 lakh upfront, with the remainder to be cleared after carrying out the killing. SSP Singh confirmed that Pankaj Rana worked as a driver for Vinod Uniyal, linking the conspiracy further.
Police continue to investigate the case and trace all aspects of the contract killing.
