The investigation into the murder of Jaipur resident Neeraj Sharma has taken a fresh turn, with police now probing the 2025 death of her husband, Vijay Sharma, after a complaint by his brother-in-law alleged that he did not die a natural death.
The fresh probe comes as investigators examine claims that Vijay's daughter, Ayushi Sharma, who is already under arrest in her mother's murder case, was involved in her father's death as part of a larger conspiracy linked to family property and a government job.
The latest development comes days after police arrested 23-year-old Ayushi Sharma for allegedly plotting the murder of her mother, Neeraj Sharma, with the help of her cousin Balram alias Ravi, who remains absconding, and several other accused.
Police said Neeraj, a lower division clerk (LDC), was deliberately run over by a Scorpio SUV in Jaipur's Pratap Nagar on July 3 in an attempt to disguise the killing as a road accident. Seven people, including Ayushi, have been arrested in the case, while Balram is yet to be traced.
The fresh complaint has been filed by Rakesh Sharma, Neeraj Sharma's brother and Ayushi's maternal uncle, who has approached both the police and a court seeking an investigation into Vijay Sharma's death.
Rakesh has alleged that Vijay, a Court Master at the Rajasthan High Court, was seriously ill but recovering when Ayushi prevented him from receiving proper medical treatment.
He claimed Ayushi, along with her cousin Balram, took Vijay away from home after claiming she had found better treatment but refused to reveal his whereabouts for nearly three months.
According to the complaint, Ayushi later informed the family that Vijay was admitted to Nivik Hospital in Jaipur.
When relatives reached the hospital, doctors allegedly told them that nearly 90 per cent of his body had suffered severe damage. Vijay was subsequently taken home by Ayushi, where he later died.
Rakesh further alleged that Ayushi and Balram performed the last rites in their native village and, soon after Vijay's death, Ayushi declared that she would apply for her father's government job while also insisting that family assets be transferred to her name.
Rakesh has also alleged that Ayushi once threatened her mother during an argument by claiming that if her father could be killed by removing his feeding tube, killing her would be even easier.
He said Neeraj later posted a WhatsApp status suggesting that she had only two days left to live.
The complainant further claimed Ayushi had hidden details of Vijay's treatment after he suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2024 and kept him at an undisclosed location until he was admitted to hospital shortly before his death in April 2025.
During interrogation in the murder case, Ayushi allegedly told investigators that she had long resented her mother, believing she received less affection than her differently-abled brother.
Police said she admitted discussing plans to kill her mother with Balram and cited family property disputes and deep-seated hatred as motives. Investigators have described the final-year LLB student as legally aware and highly calculating, and said psychologists will assist in her questioning.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Ranjita Sharma said Balram remains absconding and efforts to arrest him are continuing.
She added that the allegations made by Neeraj Sharma's family regarding Vijay Sharma's death will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The outcome of the fresh probe will determine whether police add further charges or register a separate case in connection with Vijay's death.
