New Delhi: A key accused wanted in connection with the sensational 2024 Delhi Diwali double murder case was arrested after sustaining a gunshot injury during an encounter with police in the Shastri Park area of the national capital, officials said on Tuesday.

The accused has been identified as Amir, also known by the aliases Saleem and Tillan. The 34-year-old is a resident of Vijay Park in Delhi’s Maujpur area and is alleged by police to have links with jailed gangster Hasim Baba.

Diwali Double Murder Shocked Delhi

The arrest marks a significant development in the investigation into the high-profile double murder that took place on October 31, 2024, during Diwali celebrations in Shahdara.

The incident had shocked the city after property dealer Akash Sharma, 40, and his 16-year-old nephew Rishabh Sharma were shot dead outside their residence in Bihari Colony under the Farsh Bazar area of Shahdara while celebrating the festival with family members.

Akash Sharma’s 10-year-old son, Krish, was also critically injured in the attack.

The entire sequence of events was captured on CCTV cameras installed in the locality. Following the incident, police registered a case at Farsh Bazar Police Station against unidentified assailants and launched an extensive investigation.

Dispute Over Money Emerged as Motive

Investigators later determined that two attackers had arrived on a scooter. According to police findings, one of the assailants touched Akash Sharma’s feet as a diversionary tactic before both men allegedly opened indiscriminate fire on the victims.

During the investigation, police identified a monetary dispute as the primary motive behind the killings.

According to investigators, a 17-year-old juvenile, reportedly a distant relative and former associate of Akash Sharma, had lent him Rs 70,000. Police alleged that when Sharma failed to repay the amount and stopped responding to calls, the juvenile arranged for a professional shooter to carry out the attack.

The alleged shooter was later identified as Anil alias Sonu Matka, a known criminal with a history of serious offences, including a murder case and involvement in a Rs 1.5-crore robbery in Karol Bagh. Police also claimed he maintained links with the criminal network associated with Lawrence Bishnoi and Hasim Baba.

The juvenile suspect was apprehended shortly after the murders.

Police Trap Leads to Encounter

The latest breakthrough came on Monday when police received information regarding Amir’s whereabouts.

Acting on the tip-off, a special police team was formed to trace and apprehend him. Based on information from a secret informant, officers laid a trap near the Metro Depot in Delhi’s Shastri Park area.

Officials said the operation culminated at around 10:48 p.m. on Monday when the police team intercepted the suspect.

“On seeing himself surrounded by a police party, the accused person whipped out his pistol and opened fire, targeting the police party. Then HC Manoj fired in self-defence, targeting the legs of the accused person,” police officials said.

Accused Injured, Taken Into Custody

According to investigators, Amir allegedly attempted to resist arrest by opening fire on the police team. In the retaliatory action, he sustained a gunshot injury to his leg and was subsequently overpowered.

After being brought under control, Amir was taken into custody and formally arrested in connection with the case.

Police are now probing his alleged links with organised criminal networks and examining his specific role in the conspiracy behind the double murder.

Further details are expected as investigators continue questioning the accused and collecting additional evidence related to the case.