The murder of Dehradun-based businessman Arjun Sharma has shocked the city, especially after police revealed that his own mother was allegedly involved in the conspiracy. Within 24 hours of the crime, Uttarakhand Police arrested five people, including two shooters and three alleged conspirators, unraveling what officials describe as a carefully planned contract killing rooted in a bitter property dispute.
Arjun Sharma, 42, who owned Amardeep Gas Agency, was shot dead outside the busy Tibetan Market area on Wednesday. According to eyewitnesses, two men arrived on a scooter, fired multiple shots at Sharma in broad daylight, and fled the scene, leaving passersby in panic. The sudden violence in one of the city’s crowded commercial areas created immediate alarm and triggered an intensive police investigation.
Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh said that the two shooters were traced and apprehended early Thursday morning after separate police encounters. The accused, identified as brothers Rajiv Rana and Pankaj Rana from Devikhal in Pauri district, sustained bullet injuries to their legs during the encounters and are currently undergoing treatment under police custody. Officers recovered two .315-bore pistols, cartridges, and the scooter used in the crime.
As investigators dug deeper, the case took a dramatic turn. Police arrested the victim’s mother, Beena Sharma, along with her associates Vinod Uniyal and Dr. Ajay Khanna, on charges of criminal conspiracy. According to officials, the motive behind the killing was a long-standing dispute over a high-value property on GMS Road.
Police allege that Beena Sharma and her associates offered ₹12 lakh to the shooters to eliminate Arjun Sharma. An advance payment of ₹3 lakh was reportedly made, with the remaining amount promised after the murder was carried out. Investigators also revealed that Pankaj Rana had been working as a driver for Vinod Uniyal, suggesting a direct link between the shooters and the alleged conspirators.
The property dispute appears to revolve around a ₹14 crore deal. Dr. Ajay Khanna had agreed to purchase Beena Sharma’s property and had already transferred ₹8 crore into the bank account of Vinod Uniyal, described as a close confidant of Beena Sharma. However, Arjun Sharma opposed the sale and managed to secure a court stay on the transaction, effectively halting the deal.
According to the SSP, Dr. Khanna was under increasing financial pressure after paying a substantial amount without securing the property. He had been demanding his money back, leading to frequent altercations between Arjun Sharma and his mother. Investigators believe this escalating tension eventually resulted in the alleged decision to eliminate him.
Police are now examining financial records, call details, and other evidence to strengthen the case. Officials described the murder as a “well-planned contract killing” and indicated that further legal action will follow as the investigation progresses.
The case has left residents of Dehradun stunned. What began as a family property disagreement has ended in a tragic and violent crime, exposing how financial disputes can spiral into devastating consequences. Authorities have assured that all accused will face strict legal proceedings as the investigation continues.