Businessman Fatally Shot in Broad Daylight Near Dehradun's Tibetan Market
In a shocking incident that has rattled the state capital, a 40-year-old businessman was shot dead near the bustling Tibetan Market in Dehradun on Wednesday morning. The location of the crime is particularly alarming, situated barely 600 meters from the police headquarters and less than a kilometer from the Senior Superintendent of Police's office.
Fourth Murder in District Within Fortnight
This tragic killing marks the fourth murder reported in Dehradun district and the second within the city limits in just two weeks, raising serious concerns about law and order in Uttarakhand's capital. The frequency of violent crimes has prompted urgent discussions about public safety measures.
Details of the Attack
According to police reports, Arjun Sharma, a resident of Indira Nagar in Vasant Vihar, was returning from a tennis session when two assailants on a scooty allegedly opened fire on him around 10:30 AM. Officers from Dalanwala police station immediately rushed to the scene and transported the victim to Doon Hospital, where doctors declared him dead due to excessive blood loss.
Sharma, who owned a gas agency on GMS Road, was a well-known figure in the local business community. The sudden violence has left neighbors and associates in disbelief.
Panic in Crowded Market Area
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as gunshots echoed through the crowded market area. Several shops briefly downed their shutters as passers-by gathered at the spot before police cordoned off the entire area. A heavy police force was quickly deployed, and senior officers including IG Garhwal Rajeev Swaroop personally inspected the crime scene to oversee the investigation.
Family Dispute Emerges as Likely Motive
Preliminary investigations point toward an ongoing family dispute over business matters as the probable motive behind the murder. Sharma's wife, Abhilasha Sharma, filed a formal complaint naming her mother-in-law and three others, citing financial disputes and alleging a conspiracy behind her husband's killing.
An FIR has been registered at Dalanwala police station under BNS section 103 (murder). In a related development, police have learned that Sharma's mother had previously approached the Uttarakhand High Court seeking security, alleging a threat to her life from her son.
Police Response and Investigation
SP (City) Pramod Kumar confirmed that a district-wide drive has been launched to trace the accused. "Intensive checking is underway, with barricades set up and vehicles being thoroughly searched," he stated, adding that CCTV footage and other surveillance inputs are being meticulously examined.
The police have established multiple checkpoints across the city and are conducting thorough searches of vehicles in their effort to apprehend the perpetrators.
Recent Spate of Violent Crimes
This latest killing occurs amid a disturbing pattern of violent crimes in Dehradun district over the past two weeks:
- February 2: A 22-year-old woman was hacked to death in broad daylight in Machhi Bazaar
- January 31: A contractual worker at AIIMS Rishikesh was allegedly shot dead by her lover at her rented house in Shivaji Nagar
- January 28: A 17-year-old girl died after being attacked with a sickle and stones in Vikasnagar's Dhalipur area
The concentration of multiple violent incidents within such a short timeframe has heightened public anxiety and prompted calls for enhanced security measures throughout the district.
