Jamshedpur: Vikram Sharma, a gangster from Jamshedpur accused in several criminal cases, was shot dead in Dehradun. According to reports, Sharma was coming out of a gym when unidentified assailants opened indiscriminate fire at him, killing him on the spot.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital after the incident, where doctors declared him dead.
The killing has sent shockwaves across not only Jamshedpur but the entire Jharkhand crime circle. Sharma had recently been acquitted in several criminal cases and had become active in politics. He was also said to be the mentor of gangster Akhilesh Singh.
As per preliminary information, Sharma was exiting a gym located inside a mall in Dehradun when he was attacked and shot multiple times, leading to his death at the scene.
According to police, three unidentified assailants opened fire at the victim as he was leaving the gym and then fled the spot on a motorcycle.
The deceased was allegedly linked to Jamshedpur-based mafia don Akhilesh Singh, currently lodged in Dumka jail. Sources said Sharma was accused in more than 50 criminal cases and was considered a close associate of the gangster. Though originally from Kashipur, he had been living in the Race Course area of Dehradun and was reportedly working in the stone crusher business. He frequently visited Jamshedpur.
Police said Sharma had reached the gym around 9 am and was attacked at around 10:30 am while coming downstairs. The attackers reportedly fired three rounds, two of which hit him. He died on the spot. Eyewitnesses said two shooters entered the premises and opened fire, while a third accomplice waited outside on a bike to help them escape.
A pistol was recovered near Sharma’s body. Preliminary investigation suggests that he had anticipated a threat to his life and had brought the weapon with him. However, the attackers did not give him any chance to use it.
Soon after the incident, police reached the spot, cordoned off the entire mall, and began collecting evidence. CCTV footage from cameras installed in and around Silver City Mall is being examined to identify the accused. Police are also questioning bystanders and have launched raids to trace the absconding suspects.
Investigators are probing whether the murder was the result of personal enmity or linked to an ongoing criminal rivalry. Sharma’s name had earlier surfaced in several major criminal incidents allegedly involving the Vikram-Akhilesh gang in Jamshedpur in 2007 and 2008. These included cases of murder and multiple firing incidents targeting businessmen, contractors, and other individuals in areas such as Sakchi, Bistupur, Burmamines, and near Keenan Stadium.
Police officials said all angles are being investigated and further details will emerge after analysis of CCTV footage and questioning of suspects. The incident has once again raised concerns over the activities of criminal networks operating across states.
