Noida: A 25-year-old cab driver from Bulandshahr, who was found with a gunshot wound to his head after attending a friend’s birthday party in Noida last week, died during treatment on Wednesday. Following his death, police have upgraded the case from a suspected suicide to a murder probe.
The victim, identified as Vikram Thakur, was living with two friends in a rented flat at JP Cosmos Society, Sector 134. On the night of August 30, his friend Adarsh hosted a birthday party at the flat, which was attended by around 8 to 10 men. The gathering went on until about 2 am, after which Vikram was found in his room with a bullet injury to his head.
He was rushed to a private hospital in critical condition but succumbed during treatment on Wednesday, September 3. Initially, police were told that Vikram had shot himself. Some of his acquaintances also claimed he had been depressed following a recent breakup.
However, Vikram’s family strongly refuted these claims. His brother, Rohit Thakur, lodged a complaint at the Expressway police station, alleging foul play.
My brother would not take his own life. Someone else shot him. I urge the Police to thoroughly question those who were present in the party.
Rohit Thakur, brother
Senior police officials confirmed that all attendees were interrogated on Wednesday. CCTV footage from the society premises is also being examined to establish the sequence of events leading to the shooting.
Originally from Khanpur in Bulandshahr, Vikram had recently been unemployed and was living in Noida with friends. His father had already passed away, and he was the main support for his family, including two sisters and a brother who works as a JCB operator.
Police said further investigation is underway and all angles are being explored to determine whether Vikram’s death was suicide or a planned murder.