Main Accused in Abhishek Gupta Murder Case, Mahamandaleshwar Annapurna Bharti, Arrested After Days on the Run

In a major breakthrough, the Aligarh Police have arrested Mahamandaleshwar Annapurna Bharti, also known as Pooja Shakun Pandey, the main accused in the sensational murder case of bike showroom owner Abhishek Gupta. She had been absconding for several days and carried a reward of ₹50,000 on her arrest. The accused was caught in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, in a joint operation by multiple police teams.

The Case: Murder of a Businessman in Broad Daylight

The shocking incident took place on September 26, when Abhishek Gupta, owner of a bike showroom in Khair, was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne assailants near Khereshwar Chauraha while he was about to board a bus. The attackers fled the scene immediately after firing, triggering panic in the area.

Following the murder, the victim’s family lodged a complaint accusing Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha’s National Secretary Pooja Shakun Pandey (Mahamandaleshwar Annapurna Bharti) and her husband Ashok Pandey of conspiring to kill Abhishek Gupta with the help of hired shooters.

Arrests and Police Investigation

Soon after the crime, Aligarh Police arrested two alleged shooters — Mohammad Fazal and Asif — along with Ashok Pandey, the husband of the main accused. All three were sent to jail. However, Pooja Shakun Pandey managed to evade arrest and had been on the run since the murder.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Neeraj Singh Jadaun, police were actively tracking her movements and received a tip-off that she was traveling on an SR Travels bus from Jaipur to Agra. Acting swiftly, teams from Rorawar Police Station, the SWAT unit, and the surveillance cell launched a checkpoint operation near the Sever Railway Bridge, close to Lodha Bai Toll Plaza in Bharatpur, Rajasthan.

The police intercepted the bus and arrested Pooja Shakun Pandey, ending her days-long absconding run. She was brought to Aligarh and taken into custody at the Mahila Thana (Women’s Police Station) for questioning.

What the Accused Said During Interrogation

During police interrogation, the accused refused to comment on the murder case directly and stated that she would “give her statement in court through her lawyer.”

According to police sources, a detailed call record analysis (CDR) revealed multiple communications between the accused and the hired shooters. Data shows that between August and September, there were 27 calls exchanged between Ashok Pandey and Fazal, while 11 calls were traced between Pooja Shakun Pandey and Fazal, indicating a clear link and premeditated planning.

Police records also confirm that six criminal cases are already registered against Pooja Shakun Pandey across various police stations in Aligarh district.

Police Statement and Further Action

SSP Neeraj Singh Jadaun confirmed that the police have successfully arrested the main accused and that a charge sheet will soon be filed in court. He said:

“The murder took place around 9:30 PM on September 26, when two assailants on a motorcycle shot Abhishek Gupta at Khereshwar Chauraha in Rorawar police station limits. Following the incident, three accused — Ashok Pandey, Fazal, and Asif — were arrested and sent to jail. The main accused, Pooja Shakun Pandey, was absconding, and a reward of ₹50,000 had been announced for her capture.”

He added that the police were continuously conducting raids at various locations and finally tracked her down to Bharatpur, Rajasthan, where she was arrested and brought back to Aligarh for interrogation. After questioning, she was presented before the court and remanded to judicial custody.

What’s Next

The police are now preparing to file a comprehensive charge sheet against all accused involved in the conspiracy. Authorities have also assured that the case will be pursued with strong legal representation to ensure strict punishment for everyone involved.

The murder of Abhishek Gupta has sent shockwaves through the business community in Aligarh, raising concerns about organized crime and political influence in criminal activities. Locals are demanding swift justice for the slain businessman and harsher penalties for those responsible.