On February 11, Arjun Sharma, a gas agency owner from Dehradun, was fatally shot near the Tibetan Market. The incident stemmed from an ongoing property dispute, leading to the arrest of five individuals connected to the case. Authorities received an emergency call around 10:30 AM reporting a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, police transported Sharma to Doon Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after. Arjun Sharma resided in Indira Nagar and owned the Amardeep Gas Agency on GMS Road.

Initial Investigation and Arrests

In the wake of the shooting, senior police officials assessed the crime scene for evidence. Based on information from Sharma’s wife, Abhilasha Sharma, suspicions arose against his mother, Beena Sharma, and associates Vinod Uniyal, Sangeeta Uniyal, and Dr. Ajay Khanna. The local police filed FIR No. 29/2026 under relevant sections due to the complexities of the financial disagreements. Given the delicate nature of the investigation, multiple teams were deployed to search the area diligently.

Identifying Suspects Through CCTV Footage

CCTV footage indicated that the assailants were two individuals on a scooter. Late-night patrols on February 11 led to a confrontation in the Ladpur area, where one suspect fired at the police and attempted to flee. The police returned fire, resulting in the suspect receiving a leg wound. Authorities recovered a .315 bore pistol and an empty cartridge at the site. Another firing incident occurred near a police checkpoint in the Laltappad area, involving a second suspect who also sustained injuries during the exchange.

Confessions and Background of the Accused

The injured suspects, identified as Rajeev alias Raju and Pankaj Rana, both confessed to their involvement in the shooting. They were subsequently taken to Coronation Hospital for treatment. During questioning, it was revealed that the brothers hail from Devi Khal, Kotdwar, in Pauri Garhwal and reside in Chakuwala, Dehradun. Pankaj was employed as a driver for Vinod Uniyal, while Rajeev worked as an auto driver.

Details of the Property Dispute Emerge

Investigations indicated a significant property issue involving Arjun Sharma, his mother, Beena, Vinod Uniyal, and Dr. Ajay Khanna. Dr. Khanna had engaged in a property deal worth Rs 14 crore with Beena Sharma, having already remitted Rs 8 crore. However, Arjun secured a court injunction on the property, creating tensions among the parties. Consequently, Beena, Ajay Khanna, and Vinod allegedly plotted to eliminate Arjun and contracted the services of the two accused for a sum of Rs 12 lakh, with Rs 3 lakh paid upfront.

Communication Prior to the Incident

Further investigation revealed WhatsApp exchanges between Pankaj Rana and Vinod Uniyal both before and following the murder. Witness accounts indicated that Beena Sharma had also sought information regarding her son’s daily routine from his manager. This compilation of evidence led to the apprehension of three additional suspects: Vinod Uniyal, Dr. Ajay Khanna, and Beena Sharma. The two main perpetrators apprehended during the encounter were subsequently presented before the court and are now in police custody as the investigation continues.