Family fortune turns fatal in Ghaziabad

A bitter dispute over an estimated Rs 150 crore property ended in a volley of bullets inside a prosperous family's home in Ghaziabad's Modinagar on Wednesday night, when a 32-year-old man allegedly gunned down his father after years of simmering tensions over land and money. The accused fled with the murder weapon, leaving behind a shattered family and triggering a massive police manhunt.

The deceased, Hariom Choudhary (52), was allegedly shot multiple times by his eldest son, Nikhil, at their residence in Budana village under the Modinagar police station. Hariom, a well-to-do farmer whose wealth is estimated to be around Rs 150 crore, died on the spot after sustaining bullet injuries to his face, chest and other parts of his body. He is survived by his wife and younger son.

According to police, Nikhil had allegedly been pressuring his father to transfer his share of the family's land in his name, leading to frequent arguments between the two. Local sources said Hariom owned several plots of land and allegedly a market that generated substantial rental income, making the property a major source of conflict within the family.

Police said Hariom had finished dinner with his wife and younger son when Nikhil allegedly returned home in an inebriated condition. An argument reportedly broke out after Hariom reprimanded him for drinking. During the altercation, Nikhil allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired multiple rounds at his father before escaping.

ACP Modinagar Bhaskar Verma told The Pioneer that the accused remains at large and efforts to trace him are continuing. “Nikhil is still absconding and further investigation to trace him is underway,” he said, adding that the accused was unmarried.

A senior police official told The Pioneer that Nikhil had a history of aggressive behaviour and that altercations over money were common within the household, with tensions often escalating over financial matters. Additionally, officials mentioned that Nikhil allegedly had an issue with alcohol consumption and his father often stopped him. Local sources revealed that Hariom had transferred some assets and properties under Nikhil’s name, however, the accused wanted the rest of it as well.

The investigation has also brought to light Nikhil’s alleged criminal past.

Police said that in 2018, he had allegedly opened fire on his younger brother, injuring him. Investigators are examining the earlier incident as part of the probe into Wednesday night’s murder.

Police have registered a case on the complaint of the family and sent the body for post-mortem. Four police teams have been formed to track down the accused, with raids being conducted at multiple locations.

ACP Verma said the preliminary investigation points towards a combination of a long-running land dispute and alcohol abuse as the motive behind the killing. Police said further investigation is underway.