Photo sed for indictive purpose only. Source: Internet
100Cr property dispute linked to firing on CM Advisor’s son in Shimla
Shimla, Apr 21,
The Himachal Pradesh Police investigation into the attack on Aryan Chauhan, son of Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan, seems now leading towards a high-value property dispute as the possible motive behind the crime.
Aryan Chauhan, who is also General Secretary of the Himachal Youth Congress, was allegedly chased and fired upon by assailants while seated in his car. He reportedly jumped down a hillside to escape, narrowly saving his life. The incident had triggered widespread concern, prompting an intensive police probe.
During the course of investigation, police arrested the alleged mastermind, Manish Verma alias Manu, a contractor and property dealer from the Theog area. The accused, who is currently in judicial custody, had earlier been remanded to police custody for interrogation.
According to investigation inputs and statements made by the accused during questioning, the crime appears to have stemmed from a rivalry linked to a high-value land deal in Shimla, estimated to be worth around Rs 100 crore. Sources indicated that Verma allegedly nursed resentment after being sidelined from the deal, leading to the loss of his expected commission.
It has further emerged that the accused had prior knowledge about a parcel of nearly 73 bighas of land, reportedly owned by an NRI and located near a prominent property adjoining the Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA). The land was allegedly up for sale as the owner intended to settle abroad.
Police investigations suggest that the accused closely tracked Aryan Chauhan’s movements and routine before conspiring with other associates to execute what was initially suspected to be an abduction attempt, which later escalated into a firing incident.
Earlier, during raids linked to the case, police had recovered an illegal firearm and live cartridges from the possession of the accused. Accused is also reported to have a criminal background, with multiple cases registered against him under various sections of the IPC and NDPS Act.
Officials maintained that the investigation is ongoing and further aspects, including the involvement of other accused and financial linkages to the property deal, are being examined.
Shimla Police assures its “zero tolerance” stance against organised crime, stating that strict legal action would be ensured against all those found involved in the case.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
