In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through the state capital, a notorious gangster with links to Jharkhand was shot dead by three unidentified assailants inside a bustling mall on Rajpur Road, Dehradun, on Friday morning.
The victim, identified as Vikram Sharma, was a native of Bazpur in Udham Singh Nagar district but was wanted in over 50 criminal cases in Jharkhand. The audacious killing, which took place between 10:00 AM and 10:15 AM, highlights the expanding footprint of inter-state crime networks into Uttarakhand’s peaceful Doon Valley.
What Happened at Silver City Mall?
According to Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajai Singh, the incident was a meticulously planned ambush.
Sharma, who had been residing in a rented flat in Dehradun, was returning from a gym located within the Silver City Mall. As he stepped onto the foot escalator, two shooters, who were reportedly waiting inside the complex, cornered him and opened fire at close range.
Key details of the attack:
- Victim:Â Vikram Sharma (carrying a licensed pistol at the time).
- Assailants:Â Three men. Two executed the shooting while the third waited outside on a motorbike.
- Fatalities:Â Three bullets fired; Sharma died on the spot.
- Escape:Â The two assailants fled the mall and escaped on the motorbike driven by their accomplice.
Who Was Vikram Sharma?
While Sharma operated a legitimate stone crusher plant in Kashipur (Uttarakhand), his criminal record painted a different picture. He was deeply entangled in Jharkhand’s underworld and was out on bail at the time of the murder.
Despite his extensive history of crime, SSP Ajai Singh confirmed that Sharma’s family in Jharkhand stated they had received no specific threats regarding his safety.
Police Investigation: Gang War Suspected
Senior police officers, forensic teams, and dog squads immediately rushed to the spot to collect evidence. The investigation has been escalated significantly.
“We suspect this is a fallout of an inter-state gang war,” said SSP Ajai Singh. “Given his criminal past and the professional nature of the killing, it appears to be a revenge attack stemming from an old rivalry.”
To crack the case, authorities have formed a special joint task force. This team comprises Dehradun Police and the Special Task Force (STF), who will coordinate closely with Jharkhand Police to trace Sharma’s enemies and identify the shooters.
The Bigger Picture
This incident raises serious questions about security in commercial hubs and the effectiveness of bail monitoring for habitual offenders. Vikram Sharma, despite having a bounty on his head in another state, was moving freely in Dehradun, frequenting public places like gyms and malls.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where did the Dehradun mall shooting take place?
The incident occurred at Silver City Mall located on Rajpur Road, one of Dehradun’s busiest thoroughfares.
2. How many cases did Vikram Sharma have against him?
Vikram Sharma was named in more than 50 criminal cases, primarily active in Jharkhand.
3. Have the attackers been arrested?
As of February 13, 2026, the three assailants are still at large. However, a joint team of Dehradun Police, STF, and Jharkhand Police has been formed to hunt them down.
4. Was the victim carrying a weapon?
Yes, police confirmed that Sharma was carrying a licensed pistol; however, he did not get a chance to use it due to the suddenness of the attack.
5. What is the motive behind the murder?
While the exact motive is under investigation, the primary suspicion is a gang war rivalry related to his criminal activities in Jharkhand.
Conclusion
The daylight murder of Vikram Sharma at Silver City Mall marks a significant escalation in criminal activities in Uttarakhand. It serves as a stark warning that criminals from neighboring states view Dehradun as a safe haven. While the police have launched a high-voltage probe, this incident underscores the urgent need for better intelligence sharing between states and enhanced surveillance at public gathering spots.
Digiparvat will continue to follow this story as the investigation unfolds.