'He Jumped': Accused Shraddha Dubey Denies Murder in Shiva Sharma Death Case
Accused Shraddha Dubey claims businessman Shiva Sharma committed suicide and asks why CCTV footage hasn't been retrieved to prove her innocence.
In a dramatic turn of events in the Shiva Sharma death case, accused Shraddha Dubey has broken her silence, claiming that the businessman did not meet his end at the hands of murderers but instead took his own life. Dubey, who is currently absconding, asserts that the allegations leveled against her are entirely baseless and that evidence exists to clear her name.
'It Was a Suicide'
Speaking to ANI, Shraddha Dubey claimed she witnessed Shiva Sharma jump from the fourth floor of her building. She questioned the motives behind the murder charges, suggesting that the relationship between her and the deceased was not strained enough to lead to such a crime.
Dubey revealed that she had known Sharma for only four months, with their friendship lasting about two to two-and-a-half of those months. According to her, Sharma had only started visiting her home in the last two months. She argued that it was impossible for things to deteriorate so rapidly in such a short window that anyone would harbor murderous intentions.
"All the allegations are baseless. Just because someone claims we committed murder doesn't mean we did. It was a suicide; I witnessed him jump from the fourth floor of my building," Dubey stated.
The CCTV Controversy
A central point of Dubey's defense is the building's surveillance footage. She expressed frustration over why the police have not yet retrieved the CCTV recordings from her residence, claiming they would provide definitive proof of her innocence.
She pointed out a perceived inconsistency in the investigation, noting that while police had successfully obtained footage from the Nepal border, the footage from her own building remained inaccessible. She maintained that once this evidence is brought to light, her innocence will be established.
Family Conflict and Allegations
Dubey also pointed a finger at the victim's mother, who filed the initial complaint at the Hazratganj police station. Dubey alleged that the accusations are fueled by personal dislike, stating, "His mother has made false accusations because she never liked me."
Police Intensify Manhunt
While Dubey maintains her innocence, the Lucknow Police are treating the matter with urgency. DCP Central Vikrant Veer confirmed that the reward for the capture of Shraddha Dubey and her associates has been doubled. The reward, previously set at Rs 25,000, has now been increased to Rs 50,000 each.
The police are currently searching for three primary suspects:
- Shraddha Dubey
- Rashmi Dubey (Shraddha's sister)
- Danish (the driver)
DCP Veer stated that dedicated teams, including the Special Operations Group (SOG) and surveillance units, are raiding all potential hideouts. He also revealed that the police have received a surrender application from one of the accused, and legal procedures are being followed accordingly.
Legal Proceedings
The investigation began after a murder case was registered based on a complaint by Sharma's mother, which named the aforementioned individuals and some unidentified persons. The investigating officer has already secured non-bailable warrants against the three main suspects.
Meanwhile, a court in Saharanpur has issued a notice to one of the accused and has scheduled a hearing for October 30, directing Shraddha Dubey to present her side of the story on that date.
Regarding the cause of death, DCP Vikrant Veer previously noted that the autopsy and evidence indicate Sharma sustained fatal injuries after falling from a significant height onto a rough surface.