The shocking murder of a 45-year-old court employee in Jaipur, initially believed to be a fatal road accident, has taken a dramatic turn after police alleged that the victim’s own daughter masterminded the killing to gain control of family property and secure a government job. Investigators say the crime was carefully planned over several weeks, involving close relatives, hired assailants and meticulous surveillance before the fatal attack was carried out.
The victim, Neeraj Sharma, who worked as a lower division clerk (LDC) in a local court, was killed on July 3 in Jaipur’s Pratap Nagar area after a speeding Scorpio SUV allegedly rammed into her while she was returning home. Police claim the vehicle was travelling at nearly 130 kmph when it struck Sharma, throwing her body almost 100 feet from the point of impact. The driver immediately fled the scene, leaving behind what initially appeared to be another tragic road accident.
However, investigators soon noticed inconsistencies that prompted a deeper probe. CCTV footage collected from the area reportedly revealed suspicious movements before and after the collision, raising doubts about whether the crash had been accidental. As officers pieced together surveillance footage, witness statements and technical evidence, they concluded that the incident was allegedly a pre-planned murder disguised as a traffic accident.
Police have since arrested seven people, including Sharma’s 23-year-old daughter Ayushi Sharma, while one accused remains on the run. According to investigators, Ayushi allegedly conspired with her uncle, Mohan Swaroop, and cousin Balram alias Ravi to eliminate her mother. Balram is currently absconding and is being actively searched by police.
The investigation points to two major motives behind the alleged conspiracy—family property and a government job obtained through compassionate appointment. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Ranjita Sharma, Neeraj’s husband had died around a year ago. Following his death, Neeraj accepted a compassionate appointment and joined the court as an LDC.
Police allege that Ayushi had expected to receive the government job after her father’s death. When the appointment instead went to her mother, tensions within the family reportedly intensified. Investigators also claim there had been an ongoing property dispute between the mother and daughter for nearly three years, creating a bitter conflict that ultimately escalated into a criminal conspiracy.
According to police, the alleged plan involved hiring contract killers for ₹7 lakh. Investigators say Mohan Swaroop and Balram contacted Bharatpur resident Hemant Sharma, who allegedly agreed to arrange the execution of the murder. Police claim the conspirators first rented a Thar SUV to monitor Neeraj’s daily routine, but an earlier attempt to attack her failed. Rather than abandoning the plan, investigators allege they continued tracking her movements for almost a month until they found another opportunity.
On the day of the murder, police believe the operation was coordinated with precision. According to investigators, Mohit Sharma kept track of Neeraj’s location and passed real-time updates to the other accused. Rohit Jatav allegedly waited nearby on a motorcycle to assist with the escape. Police say Akash Sharma drove the Scorpio SUV while Arvind Sharma accompanied him inside the vehicle when it allegedly struck Neeraj with fatal force.
Investigators claim that immediately after the collision, the accused abandoned the Scorpio and escaped from the area on a motorcycle in an effort to avoid detection. Despite these efforts, police say digital evidence, CCTV footage and the reconstruction of the suspects’ movements eventually linked the accused to the crime.
The investigation gained further momentum after Neeraj’s brother, Rakesh Kumar Sharma, approached police with critical information. According to his complaint, Neeraj had repeatedly expressed concerns about harassment from her daughter, certain relatives from her in-laws’ family and her cousin over property-related disputes. He also told investigators that she had received repeated threats to her life, concerns that now appear to have taken on far greater significance in light of the police findings.
During questioning, police allege that Ayushi admitted she had wanted the government job made available after her father’s death but was disappointed when her mother accepted the position instead. Investigators believe this disappointment, combined with the ongoing property dispute, formed the central motive behind the alleged conspiracy. Police further claim that the accused believed Neeraj’s death would allow Ayushi to gain control of both the family assets and the compassionate appointment.
Authorities have arrested Ayushi Sharma, Mohan Swaroop, Mohit Sharma, Akash Sharma, Arvind Sharma, Hemant Sharma and Rohit Jatav. Balram alias Ravi, whom investigators describe as a key conspirator, remains absconding, and efforts are continuing to locate him.
The case has attracted widespread attention because it highlights how financial disputes and inheritance conflicts within families can escalate into serious criminal allegations. It also underscores the challenges faced by investigators in distinguishing genuine road accidents from incidents that may have been deliberately staged. Police officials say the case demonstrates the growing importance of CCTV surveillance, forensic evidence and coordinated investigation in uncovering complex crimes that might otherwise have remained hidden behind the appearance of an ordinary traffic collision.
The investigation is still underway, and police are continuing to collect evidence while pursuing the remaining suspect. The allegations made by investigators will ultimately be tested in court, where the accused will have the opportunity to respond to the charges filed against them.