Jaipur: In a shocking case from Rajasthan’s capital, a 23-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly masterminding the murder of her mother to secure a government job on compassionate grounds and gain control of family property. Police said the accused, Ayushi Sharma, conspired with relatives and hired contract killers to stage the murder as a road accident.
The victim, Neeraj Sharma (45), worked as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in a court after receiving a compassionate appointment following the death of her husband about a year ago. According to investigators, Ayushi wanted the government job for herself, but her mother accepted the appointment instead. Police also said there had been an ongoing property dispute between the mother and daughter for nearly two to three years.
Investigators alleged that Ayushi paid ₹7 lakh to contract killers to execute the murder. On July 3, Neeraj Sharma was allegedly run over by a speeding Scorpio SUV while returning home after dropping her son at a coaching centre. The accused initially tried to portray the incident as a tragic road accident, but CCTV footage and subsequent investigation revealed it was a pre-planned murder.
Police have arrested seven accused, including Ayushi, her uncle and cousin, while one alleged conspirator remains absconding. During the investigation, police also uncovered allegations that the conspirators attempted to set the family home on fire after the incident in an effort to eliminate another family member and destroy evidence. Investigators are continuing to probe the wider conspiracy.
The case has sent shockwaves across the country, with police describing it as one of the most disturbing instances of a family murder allegedly driven by greed for property and a government job. Further investigation is underway.
