Prayagraj: A sensational murder case has shocked Prayagraj after a 25-year-old youth was shot dead in the Mutthiganj area just before he was expected to give his statement in an earlier attack case linked to an old rivalry. The incident has triggered panic in the locality and intensified questions over recurring gang-related violence in the city.
According to police and local reports, the deceased, identified as history-sheeter Saksham Sharma, was allegedly called out of his house late at night by two men known to him. Family members accused the suspects, identified as Vimal and Kamal, of taking him into a nearby lane and opening fire on him at close range before fleeing the scene. Locals rushed the injured youth to hospital, where doctors later declared him dead.
The killing has become more controversial because Saksham Sharma was reportedly due to record his statement in court regarding a previous life-threatening attack on him that had taken place in March. Family members alleged that if stricter action had been taken after the earlier assault, the murder could have been prevented. The victim’s mother claimed the attack was directly connected to a long-running personal rivalry between the groups.
Police teams from Mutthiganj police station reached the crime scene soon after the firing and began collecting forensic evidence and CCTV footage from surrounding areas. Officials stated that one suspect has already been taken into custody and the weapon allegedly used in the crime has also been recovered, while raids are continuing to arrest the remaining accused.
The murder has created fear across the Mutthiganj locality, with residents expressing concern over the increasing brazenness of armed attacks in urban areas of Uttar Pradesh. The case has also reignited debate about repeat offenders, delayed investigations and the ability of police protection mechanisms to prevent retaliatory violence in ongoing criminal disputes.
