Prayagraj Murder Shock: History-Sheeter Saksham Sharma Shot Dead Outside Home in Muthiganj, Two Arrested

Prayagraj: A sensational daylight murder in Muthiganj on Thursday morning has sent shockwaves through the city after 28-year-old history-sheeter Saksham Sharma was gunned down near his residence by armed assailants who allegedly lured him outside with a phone call before opening fire.

Police said the attackers fired multiple rounds at Saksham at close range before fleeing the scene on a scooter.

Within hours of the incident, the police registered a named FIR against five people, including a woman, and arrested two accused, allegedly involved directly in the shooting.

The victim was pursuing law studies. He also worked as a priest

According to family members, Saksham Sharma, a resident of Malviya Nagar, was the only son of Gyan Babu Sharma.

Apart from pursuing an LLB degree, Saksham also worked as a teerth purohit — a traditional priest associated with religious rituals and pilgrim services in Prayagraj.

Despite his involvement in religious work, police confirmed that Saksham had a criminal history and was listed as a history-sheeter.

Phone Call Allegedly Used to Lure Him Outside

Family members told investigators that around 7 am on Thursday, Saksham received a phone call on his mobile phone.

Soon after answering the call, he stepped out of his house.

Within moments, two men riding a scooter allegedly approached him and opened fire indiscriminately. Police said Saksham was hit by six bullets.

The attackers fled immediately after the shooting, leaving the victim critically injured on the roadside.

The sudden burst of gunfire created panic in the neighbourhood, with residents rushing out of their homes after hearing the shots.

Declared Dead at Hospital

Family members and locals rushed Saksham to Beli Hospital in a desperate attempt to save his life.

However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The murder triggered chaos and grief in the area as relatives gathered outside the hospital while police teams simultaneously began tracking the accused.

CCTV Footage Helped Police Trace Accused

As news of the murder spread, teams from the Muthiganj police station launched an immediate investigation.

Officials examined CCTV footage from nearby streets and questioned family members and residents.

According to police sources, the footage clearly showed two suspects arriving on a scooter and firing at Saksham before escaping.

Using technical surveillance and local intelligence, police conducted raids and arrested two accused:

• Vimal Panda
• Akash Arora

Police claimed both were caught along with the pistol allegedly used in the murder.

Old Rivalry and Arson Incident Emerged During Investigation

Nikita Srivastava said preliminary interrogation revealed that the murder may have been linked to an old rivalry.

According to police, an incident the previous night appears to have escalated tensions dramatically.

Investigators said Saksham allegedly set fire to a kiosk or small shop belonging to Akash Arora, also known locally as “Bhola Punjabi,” near the Daraganj Ghat area on Wednesday night.

Police suspect the shooting may have been carried out in retaliation.

Officials believe the accused planned the attack carefully and used the phone call to ensure Saksham stepped outside alone.

FIR Registered Against Five Accused

Based on a complaint filed by Saksham’s mother, Anju Sharma, the police registered a named FIR against five individuals.

Those named in the case include:

• Vimal Panda
• Shubhi Sharma
• Kamal Sharma
• Akash Arora alias Bhola Punjabi
• Lallu Dhuria

Police said further investigation is underway to determine the exact roles played by each accused.

City Residents Shocked by Daylight Killing

The brazen nature of the murder has sparked concern among residents of Prayagraj, especially because the shooting occurred early in the morning in a residential locality.

Locals described hearing rapid gunshots followed by screams and chaos as people ran toward the scene.

Several residents said the incident highlighted growing fears over gang rivalries and criminal activities in certain parts of the city.

Police Tighten Surveillance After Murder

Following the killing, police increased patrolling in sensitive areas and intensified monitoring of individuals linked to criminal networks.

Officials are also examining:

• Call records
• CCTV footage from nearby areas
• The movement of other suspects
• The criminal background of those involved

Investigators believe more arrests could follow as the probe progresses.

Murder Reflects Continuing Gang Rivalries

Police sources indicated that the case appears connected to long-running personal and criminal rivalries rather than a sudden altercation.

Prayagraj has witnessed several violent incidents in recent years linked to local gangs, property disputes and old enmities.

Experts say such murders are often driven by cycles of retaliation where minor disputes quickly escalate into deadly confrontations.

In this case, the alleged arson attack on the kiosk may have acted as the immediate trigger for the fatal shooting.

Family Demands Strict Action

Meanwhile, Saksham Sharma’s family has demanded strict punishment for all those involved in the murder.

Relatives said Saksham was trying to focus on his studies and religious work despite his past associations.

The killing has left the family devastated, especially as he was the only son of his parents.

As the investigation continues, the Prayagraj police now face the challenge of uncovering the full conspiracy behind the murder and ensuring that all those involved are brought to justice.