A chilling murder case in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh has shocked the state, bringing back into the spotlight Hindu Mahasabha leader Pooja Shakun Pandey, who previously stirred nationwide outrage for a controversial act in 2019. Pandey, known for staging an enactment of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, is now wanted in connection with the murder of a young businessman, Abhishek Gupta. While police say the killing was a result of a financial dispute, the victim’s father has alleged a far more personal and disturbing motive—an affair between his son and Pooja Shakun Pandey.
The Murder of Abhishek Gupta
The victim, 30-year-old Abhishek Gupta, was the owner of a motorcycle showroom in Aligarh. On the night of September 23, 2025, he was waiting for a bus with his father Neeraj Gupta and cousin Jeetu near a busy intersection. As the bus arrived, his father and cousin boarded it first. Before Abhishek could get on, two men on a bike approached and opened fire.
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Abhishek was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead upon arrival. His killing sent shockwaves through the community, given his reputation as a young, ambitious entrepreneur.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Following the murder, Abhishek’s father filed a complaint accusing Pooja Shakun Pandey and her husband Ashok Pandey of orchestrating the killing over a monetary dispute. Investigators moved quickly, analyzing CCTV footage and questioning acquaintances of both families.
Police soon arrested Mohammad Fazal, one of the alleged shooters. According to senior police officer Neeraj Kumar Jadaun, Fazal confessed that the murder was a “supari killing” (contract killing). He revealed that he and an associate named Asif were hired to carry out the hit, with the Pandeys offering ₹3 lakh for the murder.
Fazal further disclosed that an advance payment of ₹1 lakh was given before the crime, with the remaining amount promised after the job. He also admitted that the Pandeys had shown him Abhishek’s photograph and provided instructions for the attack. A country-made pistol was recovered during Fazal’s arrest.
Police confirmed that Ashok Pandey had already been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to track down Pooja Shakun Pandey and the second shooter, Asif.
Ashok Pandey’s Defense
Despite being in custody, Ashok Pandey has denied all allegations. Speaking to reporters, he claimed that Abhishek Gupta and his family were like their own. “He stayed at our place and studied. We did everything for him,” he said. Pandey also alleged that Neeraj Gupta owed him ₹10 lakh and was falsely implicating him and his wife to avoid repayment.
The Shocking Affair Allegation
Adding another dramatic twist, Abhishek’s father has alleged that his son was involved in a relationship with Pooja Shakun Pandey. According to him, the religious leader pressured Abhishek to marry her, especially after his younger brother got married.
Neeraj Gupta claimed that Pooja even demanded a partnership in Abhishek’s business. When Abhishek began distancing himself, she allegedly became enraged. “One day she told me, ‘Your son is acting too smart,’” Neeraj said. He added that his son had even blocked her phone number in an attempt to cut ties, which infuriated her further.
The father’s statement suggests that the murder may have been motivated not just by money but also by personal vengeance and obsession.
Police Version vs. Family’s Claim
While the police maintain that the motive behind the killing was a financial dispute, the family’s claim of an affair gone wrong adds a sensational angle to the investigation. Officers have acknowledged looking into all possible motives, including the alleged relationship between Abhishek and Pooja Shakun Pandey.
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Pooja Shakun Pandey’s Controversial Past
This is not the first time Pooja Shakun Pandey has been at the center of controversy. In 2019, she made headlines nationwide after staging an enactment of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, drawing widespread criticism and legal action. Her name has since been associated with extremist acts and public controversies, making her current fugitive status all the more sensational.
Current Status of the Case
As of now, Ashok Pandey and shooter Mohammad Fazal are in police custody. Authorities are still searching for Pooja Shakun Pandey and Asif, the second shooter involved in the crime. Police teams are conducting raids across Aligarh and neighboring districts to trace their whereabouts.
Senior officer Neeraj Kumar Jadaun assured the public that no accused will escape justice. “We are investigating from all angles, including the financial dispute and the claims of a personal relationship. The evidence collected so far points towards a planned murder,” he said.
The murder of Abhishek Gupta has exposed a murky nexus of alleged financial disputes, personal relationships, and political notoriety. With a Hindu Mahasabha leader on the run and her husband already behind bars, the case has gripped public attention and raised troubling questions about power, influence, and crime in Uttar Pradesh.
As the search for Pooja Shakun Pandey continues, the truth behind Abhishek Gupta’s murder—whether driven by money, obsession, or both—remains under intense investigation.
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