Preliminary investigation into the murder of Deepak Bhardwaj (62) at South Delhi’s Rajokri on Tuesday morning points to business rivalry as the motive.
Sources in the police said the attack was meticulously planned and the three unidentified attackers were ‘contract killers’. Police suspect that they were hired by a prominent real estate agent of Delhi. “Prima facie, it appears to be a case of personal rivalry over the matter of over property,” a police source said.
On Monday, Bhardwaj had organsied Holi celebration at his farmhouse in all family members were invited along with other relatives and friends. Suspecting that the assailants may have been present in the party to conduct a reconnaissance, the police is scrutinizing the guest list.
“There could be insider involvement also. We are trying to ascertain who were present in the function on Monday. The alleged conspirator must have had an idea of Bhardwaj’s routine and the layout of the farmhouse. They had fair knowledge of the pathways, entrances and exits of the property,” the source said.
Police sources close to the investigation also revealed that on Monday, Bhardwaj had an argument with someone over the issue of a property on phone. Hence, investigators are also scanning the call detail records.
Cops have seized the footages of the CCTVs installed at the farmhouse in which attackers are clearly visible. “According to CCTV footage installed at the front gate, the attackers could be seen rushing towards their getaway car. One of the assailants, who sported long hair and was wearing a T-shirt, trousers and sports shoes, opened the gate while his associate, wearing a T-shirt and jeans, kept a pistol pointed at the gate keeper and security guards,” the sources added.
Few months back, the elder son of Bhardwaj, Nitesh, had lodged a case against his father over some property matter. Bhardwaj had also filed a complaint against Nitesh, who was handling the property business.
Investigators are questioning the personal security guards of the victim who would accompany him routinely. Strangely, at the time of incident, no security personnel were present at the spot.
Claiming that the murder of the businessman was an outcome of business rivalry, Swami Anand Maharaj who claimed to be Deepak Bhardwaj’s spiritual guru, told The Pioneer: “Bhardwaj used to have body guards for security but on Tuesday they were not accompanying him. It is surprising. He had developed many rivals as he did quite well in business over the year. He would usually not stay back at the farmhouse but happened to be there today,” Maharaj said.