Jaipur murder case deepens as family raises doubts over father's death

The investigation into the alleged murder of a Jaipur court employee has widened after fresh allegations surfaced that the prime accused, her daughter, may have also played a role in her father's death last year. Police are now examining the family's claims even as the probe into the mother's killing gathers pace.

Ayushi, a final-year law student, is in police custody for allegedly orchestrating the murder of her mother, Neeraj Sharma, a clerk at a Jaipur court. Neeraj had secured the government job on compassionate grounds following the death of her husband, Vijay Sharma, who worked as a court master.

Suspicion over father’s death

The case took a fresh turn after Neeraj's brother, Rakesh Sharma, alleged that Ayushi and her cousin Balram may have also conspired in Vijay Sharma's death. Vijay died last year after a prolonged illness, but the family now suspects there was more to the circumstances surrounding his death.

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According to Rakesh Sharma, Vijay suffered a brain stroke and was shifted to an undisclosed hospital by Ayushi and Balram without informing other family members. He alleged that the family remained unaware of Vijay's treatment for nearly three months. Whenever Neeraj enquired about her husband's condition, Ayushi allegedly told her that he was admitted to a private hospital.

When Vijay was eventually brought home, doctors reportedly informed the family that several of his organs had already failed. Rakesh further alleged that Ayushi later removed Vijay's feeding tube, ultimately leading to his death. Police are questioning Ayushi over the allegations and are examining whether the earlier death warrants a fresh investigation.

Plot to kill mother

Meanwhile, investigators claim Ayushi's alleged motive behind Neeraj Sharma's murder was to secure her mother's government job on compassionate grounds and gain control over the family's property.

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Police said Neeraj was run over by a speeding Scorpio on July 3 while returning after dropping her younger son at a coaching centre. Investigators allege the incident was carefully planned to resemble a road accident.

According to the police, Ayushi hired contract killers for Rs 7 lakh with the help of her cousin Balram. Investigators also revealed that an earlier attempt to kill Neeraj about a month before the incident had failed because of heavy traffic.

Cousin on the run

Police sources identified Ayushi, Balram and Balram's father Mohan as the alleged masterminds behind the conspiracy, claiming they planned to divide the family's property among themselves. Ayushi had reportedly been living with Mohan and Balram after allegedly assaulting her mother. Police also claimed that Ayushi and Balram were in a relationship.

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Five alleged contract killers, viz, Hemant, Akash, Mohit, Arvind and Rohit, have been arrested, while Balram remains absconding.

The Jaipur case comes just weeks after another shocking case of alleged family murder in Bengaluru. Last month, a woman and her live-in partner were arrested for allegedly killing her parents and sister after the family opposed their relationship. Police alleged that the couple attacked the family following a confrontation over the relationship and mounting debts of over Rs 30 lakh, highlighting a disturbing series of recent cases involving alleged murders within families.