Hindu Mahasabha Leader Pooja Shakun Pandey Arrested for Businessman's Contract Killing in Aligarh

Pooja Pandey, who had a reward of Rs 50,000 on her arrest, has been apprehended by police authorities.

All India Hindu Mahasabha national general secretary Pooja Shakun Pandey has been arrested in relation to the murder of local businessman Abhishek Gupta, according to police statements released Saturday.

Following her arrest, Pandey was produced before the court and subsequently sent to jail on Saturday.

Police captured Pandey near Lodha bypass on the Agra-Jaipur highway in Rajasthan's Bharatpur district during a late-night operation on Friday.

This marks the fourth arrest in this murder case investigation.

Previously, authorities had detained Pooja's husband Ashok Pandey along with sharp shooters Mohammad Fazal and Asif, who allegedly executed the killing under the couple's directives.

The victim, Abhishek Gupta, was fatally shot on September 26 while boarding a bus with his father and a relative at the main Khereshwar Mandir crossing on Aligarh city's outskirts. Despite being rushed to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

Investigators have determined that the murder was a contract killing, reportedly commissioned by the Pandey couple following financial disputes with Gupta. Reports indicate the couple had been harassing the businessman for an extended period.

According to police, both hired shooters were acquainted with the Pandey couple and had regularly visited their residence.

Aligarh Senior Superintendent of Police Neeraj Kumar confirmed the arrest, stating that all key suspects in the case have now been apprehended and a detailed charge sheet will soon be filed.

He added that Pooja Pandey had a reward of Rs 50,000 placed on her arrest.