Notorious Jharkhand Gangster Gunned Down in Dehradun Gym Attack
A Jharkhand-based gangster, allegedly involved in more than 50 criminal cases and named in the 2007 murder of Ashish Dey, co-owner of the prominent Kolkata footwear brand Sreeleathers, was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside a gym in Dehradun on Friday morning. The incident occurred at a popular shopping complex on Rajpur Road, marking the fifth murder reported in Dehradun district within the past 20 days.
Victim's Extensive Criminal Past
According to police officials, the deceased, identified as Vikram Sharma, aged 54, operated a stone-crushing plant in the Kashipur area of Udham Singh Nagar district. Sharma had a long and violent criminal history, serving as the criminal mentor to dreaded gangster Akhilesh Singh in Jharkhand. Akhilesh is currently incarcerated in Dumka Central Jail.
Sharma was implicated in several high-profile cases in Jamshedpur, including:
- The murder of a Tata Steel plant security officer in Bistupur
- The killing of trader Om Prakash Kabra in 2002
- The murder of transporter Ashok Sharma at Keenan Stadium
- Firing incidents targeting former Judge RP Ravi in Bistupur and local goon Ravi Chourasia in Sakchi
As police pressure intensified, Sharma fled Jamshedpur and frequently changed hideouts across New Delhi, Dehradun, and Uttar Pradesh. He was arrested in 2017 from Dehradun in connection with the Dey murder case and later released from Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi in 2021 after securing bail.
Details of the Fatal Attack
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dehradun, Ajai Singh, provided a detailed account of the incident. The attack took place around 10:15 AM as Sharma was exiting the shopping complex after a gym session on the first floor. While on the staircase, two men, who appeared to be waiting for him, fired 2-3 rounds, striking him in the head.
At the time, most shops were closed, with only cleaning staff present in the vicinity. A third assailant was waiting outside, and the shooters fled with him on a motorcycle. Sharma, who was living in a rented apartment on Racecourse Road, was carrying a licensed pistol but had no time to react.
SSP Singh stated, "We suspect it to be a case of gang war." He added that Sharma, a martial arts specialist and fitness enthusiast known for his flashy attire, had joined the Dehradun gym in June of the previous year and typically attended sessions around 9 AM.
Police Investigation and Background
Inspector General (Garhwal) Rajeev Swaroop informed that initial probe findings indicate the shooters were well-trained and used a 9mm pistol. A joint team comprising officers from Dehradun district police and the Special Task Force (STF) has been formed to investigate the case, with coordination ongoing with Jharkhand police.
An official privy to details revealed that over the years, Sharma had heavily invested in real estate, transportation, and mining ventures across Jharkhand, Delhi, Noida, and Dehradun. His criminal network and financial activities are under scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation into his assassination.
