Daijiworld Media Network - Dehradun

Dehradun, Feb 13: The Uttarakhand Police on Thursday arrested five persons, including the victim’s mother and two alleged 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 men riding a scooter.

Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh said the two shooters were apprehended early Thursday morning following separate encounters. Both sustained bullet injuries to their legs during the police action and are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The accused shooters have been identified as brothers Rajiv Rana and Pankaj Rana, residents of Devikhal in Pauri district. Police recovered two .315-bore pistols, live cartridges and the scooter used in the crime from their possession.

Further investigation led to the arrest of the victim’s mother Beena Sharma and her associates Vinod Uniyal and Dr Ajay Khanna on charges of criminal conspiracy.

According to police, the murder stemmed from a long-standing property dispute between Arjun Sharma, his mother and her associates.

“Beena Sharma and her associates allegedly paid a contract of Rs 12 lakh to the shooters to eliminate Arjun,” SSP Singh said. Investigations revealed that Pankaj Rana was working as a driver for Vinod Uniyal.

Police said 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 the bank account of Vinod Uniyal, a close aide of Beena Sharma. However, Arjun Sharma opposed the transaction and secured a court stay on the property.

Dr Khanna, reportedly under pressure after failing to acquire the property despite making substantial payment, had been demanding a refund from Beena Sharma. This allegedly led to frequent disputes between the mother and son, the SSP added.

The shooters were initially paid Rs 3 lakh, with the remaining amount promised after completion of the crime.