Jamshedpur: The murder of gangster Vikram Sharma in Dehradun has emerged as a planned and organised conspiracy, with investigators tracing links across Jamshedpur, Noida, Haridwar and Dehradun.
Police said the killing was not the result of sudden enmity but followed months of surveillance, fake identities, rented flats and digital transactions.
According to Dehradun Police, Ashutosh Kumar allegedly masterminded the operation. From planning the attack to arranging shooters and preparing escape routes, he coordinated the execution, officials said.
The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dehradun and the Special Task Force (STF) stated that the roles of Ganesh Singh and Akhilesh Singh are also under investigation. Police said several layers of the conspiracy are yet to be uncovered.
Link Established Through Relative
Investigators said student Mohit was introduced to Ashutosh a few years ago by his uncle, Vikas Mahto. That connection allegedly laid the foundation for the network involved in the murder.
Sources said the accused initially planned to carry out the attack in Jamshedpur. However, due to security around Vikram, they later shifted the plan.
Conspiracy First Hatched in Noida
Police said the accused rented a flat in Noida under the name Ankit Verma and joined the same gym that Vikram frequented to monitor his routine.
When they failed to get an opportunity there, the plan was moved to Dehradun.
On the day of the incident, Ankit Verma allegedly informed Ashutosh that Vikram was present at the gym. As Vikram stepped out, Ashutosh and Vishal, who were waiting nearby, opened fire. The attack was carried out within seconds, police said.
Escape Route Planned in Advance
Officials said the accused had prepared a detailed escape plan. After the shooting, they reached a motorcycle parked in the Sahastradhara area. They later switched vehicles and travelled to Haridwar.
After returning rented vehicles, they used a black Scorpio SUV to reach their rented flat in Noida.
Police recovered the Scorpio from Alpha-II Apartments in Greater Noida while examining CCTV footage and route maps. During interrogation, Mohit alias Akshat Thakur revealed the names of Ashutosh, Ankit Verma, Vishal Singh, Akash and others. He was subsequently arrested.
Digital Trail and Vehicle Links
The investigation revealed multiple connections:
- A motorcycle recovered from Sahastradhara Road was registered in the name of Jitendra Kumar Sahu of Jamshedpur.
- Rented vehicles in Haridwar were taken using the ID of Akash Kumar Prasad.
- Payments were made through the UPI ID of Rajkumar Singh.
- The Scorpio used in the escape was registered in the name of Yashraj, proprietor of Sarika Enterprises in Jamshedpur.
Police said Yashraj is the son of Rajkumar Singh and the vehicle was allegedly provided to the accused.
Additional Links Under Probe
Investigators also said the flat where Mohit Thakur was staying is registered in the name of his grandfather, Babu Mahto. Police are examining allegations that a room below the flat was used to assault individuals. Complaints had reportedly been filed earlier at the local police station.
Officials said the case points to an organised criminal network operating across states. The investigation is ongoing, and further disclosures are expected.
