Gangster Vikram Sharma Fatally Shot in Dehradun: A Complex Criminal Legacy
In a dramatic turn of events, gangster Vikram Sharma, aged 54, was gunned down in Dehradun, marking a violent end to a life steeped in crime. Sharma, a resident of Ashiana Enclave in Mango, Jamshedpur, was not just another criminal; he meticulously cultivated the image of a clean businessman and was an avid fitness enthusiast, often spending long hours at the gym and training in martial arts. Despite this facade, his name was linked to over 20 high-profile criminal cases in Jamshedpur, painting a stark contrast between his public persona and his alleged underworld activities.
Early Criminal Involvement and Rise to Notoriety
Sharma's criminal journey began in the early 2000s, with his name first surfacing in connection to the murder of trader Om Prakash Kabra in 2002. He initially provided logistical support to the gang of dreaded gangster Akhilesh Singh, gradually climbing the ranks to become the mastermind of the outfit between 2007 and 2017. Sources indicate that Sharma's relationship with Akhilesh soured over financial disputes, particularly as Akhilesh expanded into transportation contracts and business investments, leading to significant tensions between the two.
Key Criminal Cases and Allegations
Sharma's alleged involvement in several brutal crimes in Jamshedpur is well-documented. In 2007, he was accused of conspiring to kill Ashish Dey, the co-owner of a prominent footwear brand. The following year, his name was linked to multiple violent incidents, including the murder of Tata Steel security officer Jayram Singh in Bistupur, the killing of transporter Ashok Sharma at Keenan Stadium, and shootings targeting former judge R P Ravi in Bistupur and local goon Ravi Chourasia in Sakchi. These cases highlight his purported role in orchestrating violence across the city.
Legal Battles and Acquittal
As police pressure intensified, Sharma fled Jamshedpur, moving between hideouts in New Delhi, Dehradun, and Uttar Pradesh. He was eventually arrested in 2017 in Dehradun in connection with the Ashish Dey murder case. After being released on bail from Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi in 2021, he faced trial and was acquitted in 2022 by a court in Jamshedpur due to lack of evidence. Following his release, Sharma adopted a low-profile lifestyle, though he retained his love for flashy clothes and maintained a vegetarian diet.
Business Ventures and Police Silence
Beyond his criminal activities, Sharma had invested heavily in various sectors, including real estate, transportation, and mining, with interests spanning Jharkhand, Delhi, Noida, and Dehradun. This financial portfolio added layers to his complex identity as both a gangster and an entrepreneur. Despite his death, the East Singhbhum police have refrained from commenting on the killing in Dehradun, leaving many questions unanswered about the circumstances surrounding his demise.
The story of Vikram Sharma underscores the duality of a man who projected fitness and business acumen while allegedly being entrenched in a world of crime, leaving a lasting impact on Jamshedpur's underworld.
