Varanasi, August 21, 2025: A shocking incident rocked Varanasi’s Sarnath area this morning when Mahendra Gautam, a 43-year-old property dealer, was gunned down by bike-borne assailants in Arihant Nagar Colony, near Singhpur village. The attack occurred around 9 a.m. as Gautam was riding his motorcycle to his site. Three masked attackers, overtook him, fired three shots at close range, hitting his temple and neck, and fled toward Ring Road. Gautam was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
CCTV footage of the attack, which surfaced soon after, revealed the chilling precision of the crime. The video shows one assailant driving the bike while another fired the shots, highlighting the planned nature of the murder. Police have registered an FIR and are investigating, but no clear motive has been established yet. Gautam’s family has not pointed to any specific rivalry, though his involvement in property development, including past issues with illegal colonies in Singhpur, might be a lead. In 2023, the Varanasi Development Authority demolished boundaries of 64 unauthorized colonies in the area, some linked to Gautam.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Varuna Zone) Pramod Kumar said efforts are underway to identify and nab the culprits. “We are examining CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses,” he stated, adding that a post-mortem is scheduled. The incident has raised concerns about rising crime in Varanasi, with locals demanding swift action.
