Diwali night twin murder 2 years ago catches up with most-wanted suspect

New Delhi: A suspect on the most-wanted list in connection with a double murder reported on Diwali night in 2024 in Shahdara was arrested in northeast Delhi’s Shastri Park.

The incident took place on Oct 31, when Akash Sharma and his nephew were celebrating Diwali outside their residence in Farsh Bazar of Shahdara around 8 pm. Armed assailants allegedly opened fire at them, killing both on the spot. Sharma’s son suffered gunshot injuries. The attack was captured on CCTV cameras.

Special CP (crime) HGS Dhaliwal said a crime branch team led by inspectors Man Singh and Sunder Gautam got information regarding the movement of a suspect, Amir alias Tillan, who was an alleged associate of jailed gangster Hashim Baba.

Acting on the tip-off, the team laid a trap near the metro depot in Shastri Park. Around 10.48 pm on Monday, the suspect was spotted and signalled to stop. On seeing the police team, he attempted to flee and opened fire at the team.

In self-defence, head constable Manoj fired a shot, hitting the accused in the leg. Despite the injury, Amir tried to flee but was overpowered. He was sent to hospital for treatment. He was involved in 14 criminal cases.

During the investigation, police had found out that Sharma’s murder was linked to a gang rivalry, personal enmity and financial disputes between him and members of the Hashim Baba gang. Amir and Sonu Matka, both alleged associates of the gang, along with a juvenile, were identified as the attackers and conspirators in the case.

Police said the murder triggered a series of retaliatory attacks between rival criminal factions operating in east Delhi. Investigators also said that Sachin Golu, a close associate of Sharma, allegedly conspired with his accomplices to avenge the killing.

As part of that conspiracy, businessman Sunil Jain was shot dead in Farsh Bazar in Dec 2024. During the investigation, police concluded that Jain was not the intended target. He was killed as he was mistaken for someone else.

Matka was later killed in a joint operation by Delhi Police and the UP STF in Meerut.