Model and social media influencer Shraddha Dubey, who is wanted in connection with the death of Lucknow cafe owner Shiva Sharma, has denied reports that she is missing, claiming in a video statement released on Wednesday night that Sharma died by suicide and not murder.
“I am not missing anywhere. I want to come to the police and give my statement. I want to tell them everything that is true,” Dubey can be heard saying in the video. Police have also questioned two to three people close to Dubey to gather details about her relationship with Sharma and the circumstances surrounding his death. Her photographs with politicians, police officers and people reportedly linked to criminal backgrounds have drawn renewed attention following Sharma’s death.
Her remarks came after the Lucknow police announced a reward of ₹ 25,000 each for information leading to the arrest of Dubey, her sister Rashmi and their driver in connection with Sharma’s death on October 9.
Dubey said she intended to appear before the police to record her statement and disclose what happened. DCP (central) Vikrant Vir said the prime accused remained at large, with police teams sent to Delhi and the Nepal border following intelligence inputs about her possible escape routes. Several pictures featuring influential personalities were reportedly removed from her social media account on Tuesday.
What Sharma’s family alleged
His mother, Ranjana Sharma, accused Dubey, her sister Rashmi and several others of assaulting, harassing and blackmailing her son before his death. Based on the complaint, Hazratganj police registered a murder case under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
