UP Husband Arrested for Plotting Wife's Murder Via Contract Killers

A woman in Ghaziabad narrowly survived a murder attempt allegedly orchestrated by her own husband, who had hired contract killers to eliminate her over suspicions of an extramarital affair. The incident took place on the evening of January 26, when the woman, identified as Sanju, also known as Sanjana, was shot while returning from a local market on a motorcycle with her husband, Harishankar.

According to the police, the attackers intended to kill Sanju, but the bullet struck her in the waist, allowing her to survive the attack. She was rushed for medical treatment and is currently out of danger. The shooting triggered an intensive investigation, initially based on a complaint filed by Harishankar himself, in which he accused a neighbor of carrying out the attack.

However, the investigation took a dramatic turn after police examined CCTV footage and other technical evidence, which contradicted Harishankar’s statement. Officials said the complaint was a deliberate attempt to mislead investigators and frame individuals against whom he harbored personal suspicion. Police later established that Harishankar was the mastermind behind the attack.

Also Read: Turkish Airlines Flight Lands Safely in Kolkata After Engine Fire

Investigators revealed that Harishankar had allegedly paid ₹50,000 to three men—identified as Vineet, his brother Arjun, and an associate named Raj—to kill his wife. The group reportedly conducted reconnaissance on two occasions but failed to carry out the murder. On their third attempt, they procured a firearm from Vibhor Sharma, a known criminal with over 20 previous cases against him.

On the day of the incident, the assailants, wearing masks, opened fire at the couple as they rode the motorcycle, striking Sanju before fleeing the scene. Police have since recovered the pistol used in the crime along with live cartridges, officials said.

Five people, including Harishankar, have been arrested in connection with the case. Police have registered charges against all the accused, and further investigation is underway to determine whether others were involved in the conspiracy or facilitated the crime in any manner.

Also Read: Rajasthan Set to Gain Big from India-US Trade Deal, Says CM Bhajanlal Sharma