Gurgaon, September 28 (Sarhind Times Bureau):
In a major breakthrough nearly two months after the shocking daylight murder of property dealer Rohit Shokeen, Gurugram Police have arrested a father-son duo from Sonipat for their alleged role in orchestrating the killing. The arrests bring the total number of people in custody to six, with investigators uncovering a disturbing nexus of property disputes, hired shooters, and alleged gangster links operating in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Crime That Shook Gurgaon
On August 4, residents of Sector 77 witnessed a chilling scene: Shokeen, a well-known property dealer, was gunned down while driving alone. Attackers opened fire with such ferocity that at least 15 rounds were discharged at his vehicle, leaving little chance of survival. The attack was later brazenly “claimed” on social media by gangsters, underlining the growing menace of contract killings linked to the real estate trade in NCR.
The incident immediately sparked fear among property dealers, residents, and RWAs in Gurgaon’s newly developing sectors, where disputes over land, deals, and commissions often escalate into violent confrontations.
Arrest of the Father-Son Duo
Police announced that the duo, arrested from Sonipat, were allegedly paid ₹3 lakh to help plan the crime and arrange shooters on behalf of an associate. Sources said the father-son duo provided logistical support and coordinated movements, enabling the assassins to track Shokeen’s schedule.
The arrests came after investigators analyzed CCTV footage, call detail records (CDRs), and financial transactions. Officials said these leads helped trace the suspects’ movements and money trails back to Sonipat.
Larger Gang Nexus
The case has exposed deeper links to organized crime in NCR. Police say the “claim” on social media by gangster elements points to rival groups seeking to assert dominance in Gurgaon’s lucrative property sector.
Senior officers revealed that the gang allegedly behind the murder has been active in extortion rackets, targeting builders and brokers. Their tactics include threatening phone calls, coercion, and—in extreme cases—contract killings.
Two other suspects remain hospitalized under police guard, recovering from injuries sustained in earlier encounters. Officials expect them to be formally arrested once medically cleared.
Police Investigation
The investigation team, led by Gurgaon Police’s Crime Branch, is now focusing on:
- Money trail: Tracking the source and distribution of the ₹3 lakh payment.
- Firearms supply: Identifying how weapons used in the attack were procured.
- Gang hierarchy: Establishing connections between local operatives and higher-level gangster networks.
- Digital footprint: Analyzing the social media “claim” videos to link them to specific individuals.
A senior officer stated:
“This case is not just about one murder. It highlights how organized gangs are embedding themselves into the property trade. We are committed to dismantling this network.”
The Fear Factor in Gurgaon’s Property Trade
The property market in Gurgaon has long been a magnet for investment—but also for disputes. With billions at stake in real estate, broker rivalries and commission disputes sometimes escalate to violent outcomes.
Residents in newer sectors along the Dwarka Expressway and Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) corridor are increasingly worried. Several RWAs have written to the district administration, requesting:
- Enhanced police patrolling in new residential colonies.
- CCTV installation on arterial roads.
- Strict verification of brokers and dealers.
One RWA president told Sarhind Times:
“We have invested our life savings into homes here. The idea that gangsters are targeting property dealers openly is terrifying. We need police visibility, not just promises.”
Legal Proceedings
The father-son duo has been remanded to judicial custody, and police are expected to file supplementary chargesheets as investigations progress. Lawyers for the accused argued that their clients were “innocent intermediaries,” but investigators maintain they played a crucial role in planning.
Prosecution sources say charges under IPC sections relating to murder, conspiracy, and arms violations are likely to be pressed. The involvement of organized crime could also trigger provisions under the MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act), which Haryana police have occasionally invoked in similar cases.
Community and Political Reactions
The murder has reignited debate on law and order in Gurgaon. Opposition politicians have criticized the government, alleging that gangster culture is thriving under administrative laxity. The ruling party has promised “swift justice” and highlighted the string of arrests as proof of progress.
Civil society groups have pointed out that this case is not isolated. In recent years, Gurgaon has seen multiple instances of land-related violence, extortion calls to businessmen, and politically connected gangs.
A Pattern of Contract Killings in NCR
Experts note that this case fits into a troubling pattern. From Noida to Faridabad, contract killings tied to property deals have become disturbingly common. The lucrative NCR property market, worth trillions, often attracts criminal elements seeking a share.
Data from Haryana Police shows that property disputes account for nearly 25% of violent crimes in Gurgaon district. Lawyers say delayed legal proceedings over land titles exacerbate tensions, pushing parties to hire musclemen instead of waiting for verdicts.
The Larger Question: Is Gurgaon Safe?
For residents and investors, the case raises unsettling questions about safety. Gurgaon has branded itself as a global corporate hub, housing Fortune 500 companies, luxury residences, and gleaming malls. Yet, the persistence of gang violence threatens this image.
Security experts argue that Gurgaon needs:
- Dedicated anti-gang units.
- Community policing initiatives.
- Stronger cyber-surveillance of gang communications.
- Fast-track courts for property-related crimes.
Conclusion
The arrest of the father-son duo in Rohit Shokeen’s murder marks progress, but the road ahead is complex. The case shines a harsh light on the dark nexus of property, crime, and politics in NCR. For Gurgaon, the challenge is not just solving this case but ensuring that the city’s rapid urban expansion does not become fertile ground for organized crime.
As the city mourns the brutal killing of a property dealer, the question remains: Will this case be a turning point in restoring law and order—or just another grim entry in NCR’s growing crime blotter?
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