Crime – Dehradun Businessman Shot Dead in Broad Daylight
Crime- A 42-year-old businessman was gunned down in a brazen daylight attack in Dehradun on Wednesday morning, triggering shock across the city and raising fresh concerns about public safety. Police said the victim, Arjun Sharma, who owned Amardeep Gas Agency, was allegedly targeted by two men riding a scooter.
Sharma was attacked around 10:30 am near a temple in the busy Tibetan Market area. According to officials, he had just finished his routine tennis session at a nearby stadium and was about to enter his car when the assailants approached and opened fire. He was rushed to Doon Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Family Dispute Emerges in Early Investigation
Investigators revealed that Sharma had been involved in a prolonged family disagreement. His mother, Bina Sharma, had earlier approached the Uttarakhand High Court seeking protection, claiming she faced threats to her life from her son. Police said this aspect is now part of the ongoing inquiry.
Dehradun City Superintendent of Police Pramod Kumar confirmed that a formal complaint has been filed by the victim’s wife, Abhilasha Sharma. In her statement, she alleged that four individuals, including her mother-in-law, may have been involved in the killing.
Allegations of Financial Conflict
In her complaint, Abhilasha Sharma claimed that her husband had opposed certain financial dealings involving Bina Sharma and three others — Vinod Uniyal, Sangeeta Uniyal, and Dr. Ajay Khanna, who runs SK Memorial Hospital. She alleged that disagreements over these transactions had escalated tensions within the family.
Police officials stated that the family disclosed during questioning that a dispute involving an estimated Rs 40–42 crore transaction may have been at the center of the conflict. Investigators are examining financial records and other related evidence to determine whether monetary disagreements led to the fatal attack.
A case has been registered, and several teams have been formed to trace the suspects. Officers are also reviewing CCTV footage from the area and questioning potential witnesses.
Second Murder in Ten Days Raises Alarm
The killing marks the second major murder reported in Dehradun within a span of ten days. Earlier, on February 2, a 22-year-old woman was allegedly murdered in Machhi Bazaar. In that case, police said the accused used a sharp-edged weapon to commit the crime.
The back-to-back incidents have heightened anxiety among residents and prompted senior officials to take stock of the law and order situation. Inspector General of Police for the Garhwal Range, Rajiv Swaroop, visited the crime scene and directed the Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police to expedite arrests and formulate a strategy to prevent similar incidents.
Political Reactions Over Law and Order
The incident has also sparked political debate in the state. Uttarakhand Congress President Ganesh Godiyal criticized the government, stating that the recent crimes indicate a deterioration in public safety. He accused the administration of failing to curb criminal activities and announced that his party would stage a protest at Raj Bhavan on February 16.
Responding to the criticism, the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party defended the government’s record. BJP state media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan said that while the recent incidents were unfortunate, law enforcement agencies have acted swiftly in previous cases and would soon solve the latest murder as well. He maintained that the government remains committed to ensuring public safety and bringing offenders to justice.
Investigation Continues
Police officials have assured that all angles, including family rivalry and financial disputes, are being thoroughly examined. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the site, and surveillance footage is being analyzed to identify the scooter-borne attackers.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with investigators. As the probe continues, the focus remains on establishing motive, identifying the shooters, and determining whether the alleged financial conflict played a direct role in the killing.