Son Allegedly Shoots Father Owning ₹150 Crore Property Over Land Dispute In Ghaziabad

A 52-year-old man was allegedly shot dead by his elder son following a heated dispute over family property in Ghaziabad's Modinagar area late on Wednesday night, police said. The incident took place at the family's residence in Budana village, where the accused, identified as 32-year-old Nikhil, allegedly opened fire on his father, Hariom Chaudhary, before fleeing the scene with the weapon. According to police, four bullets were fired during the attack. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the accused, with four police teams constituted to track him down. Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting was triggered by a disagreement over the division of the family's extensive land holdings and other assets.

Police said Hariom Chaudhary was among the well-known and affluent farmers in the Modinagar region. He reportedly owned around 75 bighas of agricultural land and a commercial market situated along the Delhi-Meerut Road. Investigators estimate the combined value of his assets at approximately Rs 150 crore. According to officials, Chaudhary had already transferred a portion of his wealth to his elder son, including several shops in the market and around 25 bighas of agricultural land. However, Nikhil allegedly wanted the remaining land and other properties to be transferred to his name as well. The dispute over the inheritance is believed to have intensified in recent months, eventually culminating in the fatal shooting.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Modinagar) Bhaskar Verma said the accused was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when the incident occurred. He added that Nikhil was known to be addicted to alcohol and was frequently reprimanded by his father over his drinking habits. Police said repeated disagreements between the father and son had created tension within the household. On Wednesday night, an argument reportedly broke out over the property issue, during which Nikhil allegedly took out a pistol and fired four rounds at his father. Hariom Chaudhary sustained critical gunshot injuries and died in the attack. The accused then fled the house with the firearm before police arrived at the scene.

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The victim is survived by his wife, Anita, and younger son, Neeshu. Police have not indicated whether any other family members witnessed the shooting, but investigators have begun recording statements from relatives and neighbours as part of the probe. Forensic experts also visited the crime scene to collect evidence, including spent cartridges and other material that could help establish the sequence of events. A case has been registered, and officers are examining all aspects of the incident while continuing efforts to recover the weapon allegedly used in the crime.

Police said four dedicated teams have been formed to locate and arrest the accused, with searches underway at possible hideouts and locations where he is believed to have contacts. Officials said raids are being conducted in and around Ghaziabad as part of the investigation. The case has once again highlighted how long-running family disputes over valuable property can escalate into violent crimes. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and that further legal action will be taken once the accused is apprehended. Police have urged anyone with information about Nikhil's whereabouts to come forward as efforts continue to bring him into custody.

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