UP property dealer murder case: STF cracks contract killing plot; 2 arrested

LUCKNOW: Four days after property dealer Sandeep Singh was shot in Lucknow, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has cracked the case, uncovering what investigators described as a meticulously planned contract killing linked to a long-running land dispute. Police on Sunday arrested two key accused, including the alleged mastermind, and said the murder was carried out by hired shooters who were promised ₹10 lakh to eliminate the property dealer. The arrests have exposed a conspiracy allegedly planned months in advance over a bitter land dispute in Samda village in Kakori, where the victim and the prime accused were locked in litigation. The arrested accused have been identified as Dinesh Kumar Yadav, a property dealer originally from Ambedkar Nagar and currently residing in Kakori, Lucknow, and Mukarrabeen alias Mubeen, a resident of Ashopur in Ambedkar Nagar. However, STF said an intermediary and two shooters are still absconding. According to STF officials, Dinesh was the main conspirator, while Mubeen played a key role in arranging shooters, logistics, and surveillance of the victim. Acting on intelligence inputs, STF intercepted Mubeen near the Dalauna underpass service lane on Sunday. Additional SP, STF, Deepak Kumar Singh, said interrogation allegedly revealed the entire conspiracy, following which Dinesh Yadav was also summoned and arrested after evidence linked him to the crime. Police said the murder stemmed from a prolonged land dispute in Samda. Investigators said Sandeep Singh had repeatedly filed complaints and taken legal action against Dinesh Yadav over the disputed property, increasing tension between them. “During questioning, Mubeen allegedly told investigators that Dinesh had become increasingly frustrated with the ongoing litigation and often discussed eliminating his rival,” said ASP Deepak Kumar Singh. According to STF officials, Dinesh later instructed Mubeen to arrange the murder of Sandeep Singh. Mubeen, who had been working as Dinesh’s driver since 2016, allegedly contacted a middleman and arranged a deal of ₹10 lakh for the killing. The intermediary then hired two shooters to carry out the crime. ASP Deepak Kumar Singh said Mubeen coordinated the entire operation. He allegedly arranged accommodation and local support for the shooters in Lucknow, helped them track the victim’s routine, and showed them his usual routes. To facilitate the operation, Dinesh allegedly provided money for purchasing a motorcycle. Police said Mubeen bought a second-hand Apache motorcycle from Aminabad and replaced its original number plate with a fake one. The bike was used for reconnaissance as the shooters tracked the victim’s movements. Investigators said the conspiracy was carefully planned to avoid suspicion. On the day of the murder, May 27, both Dinesh and Mubeen allegedly left Lucknow. Mubeen reportedly went to his native village for Bakrid celebrations, while Dinesh also travelled out of the city. Later that afternoon, the shooters allegedly informed them over the phone that Sandeep Singh had been shot dead. Police recovered a fake number plate bearing registration number UP32GR2185, two mobile phones, and ₹3,300 in cash during the investigation. The items are being examined for further evidence. The case was registered at PGI police station under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). STF officials said the investigation is ongoing to trace the shooters and identify other conspirators. Investigators also pointed to Dinesh Yadav’s criminal history. Police records show multiple cases against him since 2015 in Lucknow and Ambedkar Nagar, including charges of cheating, forgery, extortion, trespass, and criminal intimidation.