File photo of Deepak Bhardwaj
The Delhi Police is investigating whether the shooting of politician Deepak Bhardwaj was commissioned by a self-styled godman or "swami" who possibly paid upto a crore for the assassination.
Mr Bhardwaj was killed at his 26-acre farmhouse in South Delhi last week. Security cameras showed two gunmen entering the house. They were arrested yesterday.
The police said today that the murder was ordered by a "complex web of conspirators."
Purshottam Rana and Sunil Mann, the alleged gunmen, have allegedly told the police that a spiritual guru hired them. They also refused today to participate in an identification parade in prison, alleging that their photos have been splashed all over the media, and would therefore influence witnesses.
The security guards who were on duty and those who worked on the premises are among the eye-witnesses.
The versions of the accused shooters have many discrepancies, according to investigators, who believe that Mr Bhardwaj was killed over property, or money, or both.
He had plenty of both. In the 2009 national elections, Mr Bhardwaj was the richest candidate with assets worth Rs 600 crores. He lost the elections but shot to prominence due to his declared assets on the affidavit.
After his murder, the police have questioned his estranged wife and two sons.