Jamshedpur/Dehradun: Reports have surfaced claiming that the deceased’s brother and the main shooters in the Vikram Sharma murder case have surrendered, though police have denied any official confirmation so far, deepening the mystery surrounding the high-profile killing.
According to sources, Arvind Sharma, brother of the deceased, allegedly surrendered in Kashipur, while the shooters reportedly turned themselves in at Varanasi. However, Dehradun SP City Pramod Kumar stated that there is no official confirmation regarding any surrender. He also clarified that the alleged involvement of the victim’s brother has not yet been established. Police teams are continuing their investigation.
The contrast between the cautious police response and claims from sources has raised several questions. In sensitive cases, law enforcement agencies often refrain from disclosing details for strategic reasons, particularly when efforts are underway to arrest remaining accused and consolidate evidence. Speculation is rife that the police may choose to reveal information only after legally strengthening their case.
Sources close to the investigation allege that Vikram Sharma’s murder was a meticulously planned contract killing conceived months in advance. The first alleged meeting of the conspiracy reportedly took place in Mango area of Jamshedpur, where Arvind Sharma and the shooters are said to have plotted the crime. It is claimed that a contract of Rs 1 crore was fixed for the murder, with Rs 10 lakh paid as advance. The shooters were allegedly promised additional money and a share in a stone crusher business upon completion of the job.
The suspected motive behind the murder is said to be control over benami properties worth crores and a stone crusher business operating in Dehradun.
Investigators believe the shooters tracked Vikram Sharma for nearly a month, studying his routine, travel routes and vulnerable timings. On the morning of February 13, outside a gym at Silver City Mall in Dehradun, the assailants allegedly opened fire using a 7.65 bore foreign-made pistol. The first bullet was fired at close range near his head, while the remaining bullets struck his body. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
After the attack, the shooters allegedly fled using vehicles fitted with fake number plates and relied on an interstate network to evade arrest.
Police teams from Uttarakhand and Jharkhand have launched a joint operation, conducting continuous raids in areas of Jamshedpur including Bagbeda, Mango and Parsudih. The focus remains on tracing absconding shooter Vishal Singh and alleged conspirator Prabhat alias Bakri.
With conflicting reports of surrender and official denials, the case has grown more complex. Investigators indicate that the next 48 hours could prove decisive in determining the direction of the probe.
