Police in Jaipur have arrested a 23-year-old woman, Ayushi Sharma, for allegedly orchestrating the murder of her mother, Neeraj Sharma, to secure a government job and control family property. The killing, which occurred on July 3 in the Pratap Nagar area, was staged to resemble a road accident. Seven individuals have been arrested, while a key conspirator remains at large.
Victim Killed in Staged Road Accident
The victim, Neeraj Sharma (45), worked as a lower division clerk (LDC) in a court. She was returning home after dropping her son at a coaching centre when a speeding Scorpio SUV struck her. The impact threw her nearly 100 feet, killing her instantly. The driver fled the scene. Initially treated as a road accident, the case took a turn after police examined CCTV footage, which revealed evidence of a pre-planned murder.
Motive: Government Job and Property Dispute
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Ranjita Sharma, Neeraj's husband died about a year ago. Following his death, Neeraj received a compassionate appointment and joined a court as an LDC. Investigators allege that Ayushi wanted the government job that became available after her father's death, but her mother accepted the appointment instead. Additionally, there was an ongoing property dispute between mother and daughter. DCP Ranjita Sharma stated, “The investigation revealed that the daughter wanted the government job that became available after her father's death. However, the mother accepted the appointment. There was also an ongoing property dispute between them.”
Rs 7 Lakh Contract Killing Plot
Police allege that Ayushi conspired with her uncle Mohan Swaroop and cousin Balram alias Ravi to eliminate her mother. The trio hired Hemant Sharma, a resident of Bharatpur, for Rs 7 lakh to execute the murder. Investigators said the accused first tracked Neeraj's daily routine using a rented Thar SUV but failed to carry out the attack. They continued monitoring her movements for nearly a month before using a Scorpio SUV to execute the plan.
Execution of the Attack
On the day of the incident, the accused coordinated Neeraj's movements. According to police, Mohit Sharma shared her live location, Rohit Jatav waited nearby on a motorcycle, while Akash Sharma allegedly drove the Scorpio and Arvind Sharma accompanied him during the attack. After hitting Neeraj, the accused abandoned the Scorpio and escaped on a motorcycle. The case was reported by Neeraj's brother, Rakesh Kumar Sharma, who told police that she had repeatedly complained of harassment over property disputes and had received threats to her life.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Police have arrested Ayushi Sharma, Mohan Swaroop, Mohit Sharma, Akash Sharma, Arvind Sharma, Hemant Sharma, and Rohit Jatav. Balram alias Ravi, described as a key conspirator, is absconding, and efforts are underway to trace him. Police said the investigation is continuing, and the allegations will be tested during the judicial process.
