Property dealer shot dead in broad daylight in Varanasi

A 54-year-old property dealer, Mahendra Gautam, was killed in a daylight attack in the Sarnath area of Varanasi on Thursday morning. The incident has raised serious concerns about public safety and law enforcement in the region.

Gautam, a resident of Buddha City and son of retired RTO officer Shyamnath, was travelling on his motorcycle from Buddha City to Arihant Nagar Colony around 9 a.m.

Advertisement

Eyewitnesses reported that he was speaking on the phone when he slowed down near a speed breaker. At that moment, three masked individuals on a motorcycle approached from behind.

The assailants overtook Gautam and opened indiscriminate fire on him before quickly fleeing the scene in the direction of the Ring Road. Nearby residents who witnessed the incident rushed to assist, but Gautam had already succumbed to his injuries by the time they reached him.

Upon receiving the information, senior police officials, including DCP Varuna Zone Pramod Kumar, arrived at the location. A forensic team was also called in for a detailed investigation. The area was immediately sealed off, and a search operation was launched to locate the suspects. Intensive checking and surveillance efforts are currently underway.

Preliminary findings suggest that this may have been a targeted attack. Investigators are examining all possible angles, including business-related disputes. CCTV footage from nearby areas is being reviewed to identify the attackers.