Vikram Sharma Murder: Dumka Jail on Alert Amid Gangwar Fears in Jharkhand
Jamshedpur: The broad daylight killing of Vikram Sharma at Silver City Mall in Dehradun has sent shockwaves beyond Uttarakhand, triggering ripples across Jharkhand’s criminal underworld and political circles. Investigators and intelligence agencies are now closely monitoring developments, particularly at Dumka jail, where jailed gangster Akhilesh Singh is lodged.
Sharma, once considered a key figure in regional crime networks and widely described as a mentor to Akhilesh Singh, was shot dead inside the mall premises, raising concerns of renewed gang rivalry. The audacious nature of the attack has intensified speculation about possible retaliatory violence.
Akhilesh Singh, who has been lodged in Dumka jail for several years, had reportedly distanced himself from active criminal operations while awaiting legal relief. He has faced more than 65 criminal cases in the past and had once carried a Rs 5 lakh bounty announced by the Jharkhand government during his absconding years. Though he was acquitted in several high-profile murder cases — including those related to businessman Ashish Dey, Tata Steel security officer Jayram Singh, JMM leader Upendra Singh, and gangster Paramjit Singh — he was convicted in the jailer Umashankar Pandey murder case.
The killing of Paramjit Singh inside Ghaghidih jail in the past had underscored the violent rivalry between criminal factions in the region. Sharma’s murder is now being seen as a direct provocation that could potentially reignite old enmities.
Police sources said names of alleged shooters — Akash Prasad of Bagbera, Vishal Singh, and Ashutosh of Jugsalai — have surfaced in connection with the Dehradun incident. All are believed to be associated with a rival gang.
Following the murder, district police units in Jharkhand have been placed on alert. Security agencies are keeping close watch on members of the Akhilesh Singh gang as well as rival factions to prevent any escalation. Intelligence inputs are being reviewed to assess the possibility of retaliatory strikes.
With tensions running high in Jharkhand’s crime network, authorities are working to ensure that the fallout of the Dehradun killing does not spiral into another phase of gang violence in the state.
