A 43-year-old property dealer, Mahendra Gautam, was brutally shot dead by three masked assailants on motorcycles in Varanasi’s Sarnath area on Thursday morning, police reported. The shocking incident occurred in Arihant Nagar Colony, sending ripples of fear through the local community.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Varuna Zone) Pramod Kumar, the attackers opened fire on Gautam in broad daylight before fleeing the scene. Passers-by rushed the victim to a nearby hospital, but doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. The police have launched a thorough investigation, registering an FIR and sending Gautam’s body for a post-mortem examination to determine further details.

Preliminary inquiries suggest no clear motive, as Gautam’s family has not reported any known enmities or financial disputes that could explain the targeted killing. Authorities are exploring all possible angles, including potential business rivalries or personal grudges, to identify the perpetrators. The audacious nature of the attack on a busy street has raised concerns about rising crime in the region.

Also Read: Over 25 Shots Fired at YouTuber Elvish Yadav’s House

Police have intensified patrols in Sarnath and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to track the assailants. The incident has sparked outrage among residents, who are demanding swift justice. As the investigation unfolds, Varanasi remains on edge, with authorities under pressure to apprehend the culprits and restore public confidence in local safety.

Also Read: Yogi Hails ‘New India’s’ Strength, PM Modi’s Global Stature in Varanasi