Arrested in 2019 for firing at Mahatma Gandhi effigy, Puja Shakun Pandey, her husband now absconding in murder of UP businessman

ALIGARH: A 28-year-old bike showroom owner, Abhishek Gupta, was shot dead by two unidentified assailants in Aligarh on Friday night. The incident occurred near Roravar as Gupta, along with his father Neeraj Gupta and cousin Shivang Gupta, was boarding a bus to return to their village in Hathras. He was rushed to hospital but declared dead on arrival, prompting an uproar from his family.The victim’s family has accused Annapurna Bharti, also known as Pooja Shakun Pandey, and her husband, Ashok Pandey, of orchestrating the murder.Ashok was arrested on September 28. Pooja is currently absconding. 'Arrested in 2019'The couple previously drew attention in 2019 when Puja Shakun Pandey, then national secretary of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha and her husband were arrested for shooting at an effigy of Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary. Police make arrests and recover weapon Police arrested one of the shooters, Mohammad Fazal, who admitted the killing was a contract hit carried out with his associate, Asif. Fazal claimed the Pandeys plotted the murder and offered Rs 3 lakh for its execution. A country-made firearm was recovered from Fazal.Dispute over business and personal matters The victim’s family alleged that Abhishek had longstanding disputes with the Pandeys, who demanded a stake in his bike agency without investing. Abhishek’s father, Neeraj Gupta, also claimed his son had been in a relationship with Pooja Shakun Pandey and that she had pressured the family to make her a partner in the business.Ongoing investigation Aligarh SSP Neeraj Kumar Jadaun said multiple investigative teams had scanned CCTV footage, questioned witnesses, and traced the relationships between the Pandeys and the Gupta family. “An investigation is underway, and strict action will follow,” he said.