Man, nephew gunned down on Diwali: Shooter accused in 2022 robbery, in touch with members of Bishnoi-Baba gang

Police said Matka was named as the main accused in a Karol Bagh robbery in October 2022 when he, along with five associates, allegedly entered a mobile accessories shop and looted Rs 1.5 crore at gunpoint.

Akash Sharma alias Chotu (40) and his nephew Rishabh Sharma were shot dead in Shahdara’s Farsh Bazar while they were celebrating Diwali. Akash’s 10-year-old son was also injured in the incident.

Police apprehended a minor for planning the murder. As per police, the juvenile had claimed during questioning that he had a dispute with Akash involving Rs 70,000, which led him to hatch a conspiracy to kill him.

According to police, Akash had multiple cases registered against him. Going by police records (SCRB’s involvement report), Akash was previously named in six cases, including one for attempted murder, at Farsh Bazar police station in 2023. “Akash had hired the juvenile to carry out a shooting at someone’s house last month. He was not paying the minor for the work. He was aware that his life was in danger,” an officer said.

Asked about Akash’s past, DCP (Shahdara) Prashant Gautam said, “He had a criminal history.”

An officer, meanwhile, said Matka knew Akash. “They were also connected to (alleged sharpshooter) Rashid Cablewala,” he added. Cablewala, according to the police, is an alleged member of the Bishnoi-Baba syndicate.

The officer said Cablewala and Baba, a Northeast Delhi gangster, are involved in the illegal betting business. “Matka was in touch with them,”  he said. “Matka was also arrested in 2015 in an Arms Act case in Jafrabad. In 2021, he was released on parole and didn’t return to jail,” the officer said.