According to police, the three-month-long conspiracy culminated on July 3 in Pratap Nagar, where 45-year-old Neeraj Sharma was allegedly run over by a speeding SUV travelling at nearly 130 kmph. The impact reportedly killed her instantly.
Police have arrested Neeraj’s daughter Ayushi, her paternal uncle Mohan Swaroop (56), alleged contract killer Hemant Sharma (20), and four of Hemant’s associates. Another accused, Balram alias Ravi, the son of Mohan Swaroop and Ayushi’s cousin, remains absconding. The SUV allegedly used in the crime has also been seized.
Dispute Over Compassionate Appointment
Police said Neeraj’s husband, Vijay Kumar Sharma, who worked as a lower division clerk (LDC) at a court, died about a year ago. Following his death, Neeraj reportedly received a compassionate appointment in his place.
Investigators alleged that Ayushi wanted the government job for herself and blamed her mother for preventing her from getting it. A police officer said Ayushi believed her future had been affected because her mother did not allow her to claim the position.
According to officials, Ayushi, Mohan Swaroop, and Balram explored multiple ways to kill Neeraj before deciding to stage the murder as a hit-and-run accident.
Surveillance and Failed Attempts
Police alleged that an initial attempt to kill Neeraj using a rented SUV failed. After this, Balram reportedly arranged another vehicle, and the accused allegedly monitored Neeraj’s movements for nearly a month.
Investigators said Neeraj had become aware of her daughter’s alleged hostile behaviour and had informed her brother, Rakesh Kumar Sharma of Bayana in Bharatpur, that Ayushi was heading down a dangerous path.
Rakesh later filed a complaint alleging murder, which led police to investigate the case as a planned crime rather than an accident.
Alleged Contract Killing
Police claimed the accused hired Hemant Sharma, a resident of Bayana, for ₹7 lakh to carry out the murder. Hemant allegedly recruited four other people to assist in executing the plan.
On July 3, at around 4:45 pm, Neeraj was returning home after dropping her differently-abled son at coaching classes when the SUV allegedly struck her. Police said the force of the collision threw her nearly 100 feet, resulting in her death at the scene.
CCTV footage obtained by police reportedly showed the moment of impact and the SUV speeding away after the collision.
Property Dispute Alleged as Motive
During the investigation, police said Neeraj’s brother had informed them that she had repeatedly complained about harassment by her daughter, mother-in-law, and nephew Balram over property-related issues.
The investigation is ongoing, with police continuing efforts to trace the absconding accused and establish the full sequence of events behind the alleged conspiracy.
