LUCKNOW: A 27-year-old restaurant owner died after allegedly falling from the fourth floor of an apartment near Balu Adda in Lucknow on Saturday.His mother has accused his girlfriend, social media influencer Shraddha Dubey, and her associates of murdering him.The deceased, Shiva Sharma, owned a chain of restaurants and also operated a cafe. His family alleged that he had been subjected to physical assault, intimidation and blackmail for several months.Hazratganj police have registered an FIR against Dubey, her sister Rashmi Dubey, her driver, an associate named Adil and several unidentified people. Police said they were investigating the circumstances that led to Sharma’s fall.
Mother alleges son was assaulted before death
In a complaint submitted to Hazratganj police on October 10, Sharma’s mother, Ranjana Sharma, alleged that she received a call from Adil, an associate of Dubey, at around 7 pm on October 9.He reportedly told her that Shiva’s condition had deteriorated and that he was being taken to King George’s Medical University.Ranjana said she reached the medical college with other family members, where the people accompanying her son showed them his body from a distance before fleeing. Doctors subsequently declared him dead.She alleged that her son had multiple injuries and was wearing only underwear when the family saw his body. Ranjana expressed suspicion that Dubey, her driver, her sister, Adil and other associates had assaulted and killed him.These allegations have not been independently established.
Family alleges blackmail and threats
In her complaint, Ranjana alleged that Dubey had been harassing her son for the past four months, threatening to implicate him in false cases and damage his reputation.She claimed that Dubey pressured Shiva to remain in a relationship with her and resorted to blackmail and physical violence when he resisted.The family further alleged that Shiva had previously been assaulted and pressured into maintaining a relationship against his wishes.Ranjana also claimed that Dubey had visited her shop about a week before the incident and threatened her over her son.
Sister claims to have evidence of harassment
Shiva’s elder sister, Astha, told TOI that Dubey had been harassing her brother for several days. She said she had seen their WhatsApp chats and had evidence to support her claim.“They met at a party through a common friend four months ago,” she added.
Police probe circumstances of death
ACP Hazratganj Rajneesh Verma said the circumstances leading to Shiva’s fall were being investigated.He said police had registered a case against Dubey, her sister Rashmi Dubey, her driver, Adil and unidentified others, and that further action would be taken based on the family’s complaint.