Daylight Shooting in Meerut Followed by Social Media Confession
In a shocking incident in Meerut, a 30-year-old man allegedly shot and killed his estranged wife's partner in broad daylight near the Sanatan Dharma temple in the Ramraj area of Bahsuma on Wednesday. Police officials confirmed that Pradeep Dhiman intercepted Sunil Gaba, 31, also known as Surendra, while he was traveling on a motorcycle and fired three shots at him using country-made weapons of different types.
Live Video Confession After the Shooting
Shortly after the shooting, Dhiman appeared in a live video on social media where he openly admitted to the killing. Holding a firearm in the video, he stated that he had used three different weapons and cited what he described as a long-standing domestic dispute involving his wife's relationship with Gaba. "I have three weapons of different bore and used all three to kill him," Dhiman declared in the video, also issuing direct threats against his wife, Poonam.
Gaba collapsed at the scene and succumbed to his injuries, according to police reports. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the severe escalation of personal conflicts into violent crime.
Background of the Domestic Dispute
According to police investigations, the dispute began approximately 18 months ago when Dhiman's wife, Poonam, left the matrimonial home and started living with Gaba. The matter was later brought before a panchayat in Sanauta village for resolution. Villagers reported that Poonam refused to return to her husband, and Dhiman allegedly threatened her during the panchayat proceedings.
The disagreement further intensified over the custody of their two children. Poonam sought to take the children with her, but the village council ultimately handed custody to Dhiman. Following this decision, the couple formally separated, and Poonam continued to live with Gaba, as confirmed by local residents.
Police Manhunt and Dramatic Arrest
Police launched an immediate search for Dhiman after the shooting. On Thursday, acting on specific leads, officers located him hiding in a sugarcane field in the Bahsuma area. Dhiman was carrying a country-made pistol when police surrounded him with their service weapons drawn.
In a tense standoff captured in the video, Dhiman purportedly shouted at the police to "keep the weapons inside" and warned that while police might commit his "half murder" in an encounter, he was prepared to commit his own "full murder" by taking his life on the spot. Police engaged him in sustained conversation and successfully persuaded him to surrender after prolonged negotiations.
Official Statement and Evidence Collection
SP (rural) Abhijeet Kumar told reporters, "We arrested the prime accused in the murder that took place in Behsuma. Further legal proceedings are on." Police confirmed that the weapons used in the crime have been recovered and the social media video is being thoroughly examined as crucial evidence in the case.
The arrest was made without further incident, and Dhiman is now in police custody facing murder charges. This case underscores the growing trend of criminals using social media platforms to broadcast their actions, creating new challenges for law enforcement agencies.
