In a case that reads like a dark crime thriller, a retired **Indian Air Force (IAF) officer** was brutally murdered outside his Ghaziabad residence—and the alleged masterminds are his own sons. According to Uttar Pradesh Police, the killing was a cold-blooded contract assassination, paid for with **₹5 lakh** and fueled by a bitter family feud over inheritance and savings .
The execution was equally shocking: among the hitmen were a **serving police constable** and a **notorious juvenile offender** with a history of violence. While the juvenile has been apprehended, the constable and the two sons remain **absconding**, triggering a high-priority manhunt across state lines .
This isn’t just a murder—it’s a betrayal that cuts to the core of familial trust and institutional integrity. How did a decorated ex-serviceman, who once defended the nation’s skies, meet such a gruesome end at the hands of those who should have protected him?
Table of Contents
- The Brutal Assassination: What Happened in Ghaziabad?
- Ex-IAF officer murdered: The Chilling Role of His Own Sons
- Inside the Hit Squad: Cop, Juvenile, and a ₹5 Lakh Deal
- Motive Uncovered: Savings, Property, and Family Betrayal
- Police Response and Nationwide Manhunt
- Broader Implications: When Family and Law Enforcement Collude
- In Summary: A Tragedy That Shakes Trust in Two Pillars
- Sources
The Brutal Assassination: What Happened in Ghaziabad?
The incident occurred on a quiet evening near the victim’s home in Ghaziabad’s Indirapuram area. The retired IAF officer, whose identity has been partially withheld in early reports out of respect for the family, was ambushed and shot at close range. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot .
Witnesses reported seeing multiple assailants flee the scene on motorcycles—a tactic often used in contract killings to avoid identification. The precision and speed of the attack suggested prior planning, which police later confirmed during their investigation.
Initial probes led to a startling discovery: one of the shooters was a known juvenile offender, already infamous in local circles for violent crimes. But more disturbing was the revelation that a **serving Uttar Pradesh Police constable** was allegedly part of the conspiracy .
Ex-IAF officer murdered: The Chilling Role of His Own Sons
Perhaps the most harrowing detail is the alleged involvement of the victim’s two sons. According to police sources, the brothers had been in a prolonged and heated dispute with their father over access to his **bank savings and property deeds** .
Investigators claim the sons saw their father’s continued control over the family assets as an “obstacle” to their financial freedom. Rather than seek legal or familial resolution, they allegedly took a far darker path—contacting known criminals and offering **₹5 lakh** for his elimination.
“The sons wanted to inherit everything immediately,” a senior Ghaziabad police official stated anonymously. “They believed that once he was gone, the property and money would automatically become theirs” . This cold calculus—valuing inheritance over a parent’s life—has left the community reeling.
Inside the Hit Squad: Cop, Juvenile, and a ₹5 Lakh Deal
The hit team was an unlikely but lethal mix:
- The Juvenile Offender: Already known to police for previous violent acts. At just 17, he’s been described as “ruthless” and “easily manipulated by money.” He has since been apprehended and is in juvenile custody.
- The Police Constable: A serving officer who allegedly provided logistical support, including surveillance and possibly weapon access. His insider knowledge may have been key to planning the attack without raising suspicion. He remains at large.
- The Masterminds: The two sons, who reportedly handled payment and coordination from behind the scenes. Both have disappeared, with police suspecting they may have fled to neighboring states.
The involvement of a law enforcement officer adds a layer of institutional betrayal that has sparked outrage. As the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) notes, cases of police involvement in organized crime, while rare, severely undermine public trust in the justice system .
Motive Uncovered: Savings, Property, and Family Betrayal
At the heart of this tragedy is a familiar yet devastating human flaw: greed. Neighbors told investigators the family had been arguing loudly for months over financial matters. The victim, a disciplined and frugal ex-serviceman, had refused to hand over control of his life savings, insisting his sons “earn their own way.”
This stance, admirable in intent, became a fatal liability. In a society where elder care and inheritance norms are rapidly shifting, this case highlights the dangerous extremes some may resort to when faced with delayed gratification.
Police Response and Nationwide Manhunt
UP Police have launched a **Special Investigation Team (SIT)** to track down the absconding constable and the two sons. Technical teams are analyzing mobile tower data, CCTV footage from Indirapuram, and financial transactions linked to the ₹5 lakh payment.
Inter-state alerts have been issued, and border checkpoints are on high alert. Authorities are also investigating whether the constable used his position to access confidential information or bypass security protocols.
For more on high-profile crime investigations in North India, see our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:up-crime-investigation-trends]. Learn about legal protections for senior citizens in inheritance disputes through [INTERNAL_LINK:senior-citizen-property-rights-india].
Broader Implications: When Family and Law Enforcement Collude
This case isn’t just about one family’s implosion—it’s a warning sign. The collusion between a police officer and civilian criminals in a premeditated murder of a veteran raises serious questions about accountability within law enforcement and the vulnerability of elderly citizens.
Veterans, who have served the nation, deserve dignity and safety in their retirement. This incident underscores the urgent need for stronger safeguards and family mediation mechanisms before disputes escalate to violence.
In Summary: A Tragedy That Shakes Trust in Two Pillars
The murder of this **ex-IAF officer** has shattered two foundational trusts: that of family and of the police who swear to protect us. While the juvenile is in custody, the hunt for his co-conspirators—including a cop and the victim’s own sons—continues. As more details emerge, one thing is clear: this is not just a crime story. It’s a societal mirror reflecting how greed can corrode even the most sacred bonds.