Police in Jaipur, Rajasthan, have arrested seven individuals, including a 23-year-old woman, in connection with the alleged murder of her mother. The daughter, identified as Ayushi Sharma, is accused of plotting the contract killing to secure a government job on compassionate grounds and gain control of family property.
The victim, 45-year-old Neeraj Sharma, worked as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in a Jaipur court. She was killed on July 3 in the Pratap Nagar area when a speeding Scorpio SUV rammed into her. Initially, the incident was believed to be a tragic road accident.
CCTV Footage Uncovers Murder Conspiracy
However, investigators grew suspicious after examining CCTV footage of the incident. DCP (East) Ranjita Sharma stated that the footage clearly indicated a planned murder rather than an accident, leading to a deeper investigation into a conspiracy involving family members and hired killers.
Police allege that the conspirators had monitored Neeraj Sharma's daily routine for approximately a month, using a rented Thar SUV for surveillance before using a Scorpio for the fatal assault.
Motive: Government Job and Property Dispute
According to police, the primary motives behind the alleged murder were a dispute over a compassionate government appointment and family property. Neeraj Sharma had received the LDC position after her husband's death about a year prior. Ayushi Sharma reportedly desired this government job for herself.
DCP Ranjita Sharma confirmed that Ayushi wanted the compassionate appointment following her father's death, but the job was given to her mother. Additionally, a property dispute between the mother and daughter had reportedly been ongoing for two to three years. During interrogation, police claim Ayushi admitted to wanting both the job and the property, prompting her to allegedly conspire with relatives.
Contract Killing and Arrests
Authorities allege that Ayushi conspired with her uncle, Mohan Swaroop, and cousin, Balram alias Ravi, to hire Bharatpur resident Hemant Sharma for ₹7 lakh to carry out the murder. On the day of the incident, one accused allegedly tracked Neeraj Sharma's movements while another waited on a motorcycle. A Scorpio SUV, purportedly driven by one of the hired attackers, struck the victim at high speed, throwing her nearly 100 feet before fleeing the scene. The vehicle was later abandoned.
The investigation began after Neeraj Sharma's brother, Rakesh Kumar Sharma, filed a complaint, stating his sister had frequently complained of harassment and death threats from her daughter and in-laws over property disputes.
Police have arrested seven individuals in connection with the case: Ayushi Sharma, Mohan Swaroop, Mohit Sharma, Akash Sharma, Arvind Sharma, Hemant Sharma, and Rohit Jatav. Ayushi's cousin, Balram alias Ravi, described as a key conspirator, remains at large, and efforts are underway to apprehend him.