Divya had been extorting money from him
Indian police continue to investigate Divya Pahuja, who was allegedly shot dead by a Gurgaon-based hotel owner.
The 27-year-old former model had recently been released on bail after being linked to the fake encounter of gangster Sandeep Gadoli.
It is alleged that she was killed by Abhijeet Singh, the owner of the City Point hotel, and his associates Hemraj and Om Prakash.
She had been staying at the hotel.
After police received a missing persons’ complaint, officers visited the hotel. Divya’s body had been in the hotel during their visit but officers checked the wrong hotel room.
According to police, Abhijeet shot Divya dead and then paid his associates Rs. 10 Lakh (£9,400) to dispose of the body.
CCTV footage showed the suspects dragging the body out of the hotel and placing it into a BMW.
Another piece of footage showed Abhijeet, Divya and another person arriving at the hotel reception on January 2, 2024, and making their way to room 111, where it is believed the shooting took place.
The car was registered to Ajay Mehta, Abhijeet’s friend, and it was discovered abandoned in Patiala, Punjab.
However, Divya’s body has not been found.
Meanwhile, Abhijeet and his two associates were arrested.
During questioning, the prime suspect told police that Divya had been extorting money from him for months, using his explicit pictures as leverage.
Meanwhile, the ex-model’s family has claimed that her murder was orchestrated by Sandeep Gadoli’s family and the hotel owner.
Divya Pahuja had links to Gurgaon’s underworld and was reportedly Gadoli’s girlfriend.
She was working at club events in Gurgaon when she met the notorious gangster.
But in February 2016, she allegedly conspired with police officials to orchestrate a fake encounter.
Divya lured Gadoli to a Mumbai hotel. During their stay, officers from Gurgaon Police’s Crime Branch entered the room and shot Gadoli.
The officers claimed they shot Gadoli in self-defence.
However, CCTV footage revealed that Gadoli was unarmed.
Divya was named as the main perpetrator. Her mother Sonia Pahuja was alleged to have communicated with the officers, providing them with Gadoli’s location.
The pair and five police officers were subsequently arrested.
During the investigation, it was alleged that the police officers had also conspired with a rival gang led by Virendra Kumar to murder Gadoli.
The suspects were imprisoned whilst awaiting trial.
Divya ended up spending seven years behind bars. In June 2023, the Bombay High Court released her on bail.
Divya’s lawyer argued that the protracted delay in the case and the long-term imprisonment were infringing upon her client’s fundamental rights.
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