Kanpur businessman murder: Man confesses to killing father, told hitmen to blame wife if caught
PTC News Desk: The murder investigation of Kanpur-based pharma trader Vineet Minocha took a new turn on Wednesday after his son, Subrat Minocha, allegedly confessed to the crime. Subrat told police that he was responsible for his father's murder and claimed that his wife, Shalu Minocha, had no involvement.
The alleged hitman, Vishal Gautam, who had earlier blamed Shalu, also changed his statement. He reportedly told police that Subrat had asked him to kill Vineet and instructed him to name Shalu if he was caught.
Subrat was detained on Wednesday and questioned along with Shalu and Vishal. Police later arrested him for his alleged involvement in the murder and conspiracy. However, police have not given Shalu a clean chit and are continuing to investigate her possible role.
Earlier, investigators suspected that Shalu had arranged the killing of 60-year-old Vineet at his Kanpur residence.
According to Commissioner of Police Raghubir Lal, Vishal told investigators that Subrat had allegedly offered him Rs 6 lakh to kill his father. He also claimed that Subrat had instructed him to blame Shalu if the police caught him.
Investigators are now comparing the statements of Subrat, Shalu and Vishal with call records, CCTV footage, the accused persons' movements and other circumstantial evidence.
Subrat initially continued to accuse Shalu but later changed his statement during questioning. He reportedly told police that he had expected to be arrested soon. However, after learning that Vishal had not named him in his initial statement, he became uncertain about the direction of the investigation.
Subrat allegedly told police that he felt guilty because Shalu had become involved in the case because of him. He then decided to take responsibility for the murder.
During questioning, police reportedly brought Subrat and Shalu face-to-face. Sources said Shalu broke down after seeing her husband, while Subrat remained mostly silent and later turned away from her.
Shalu has maintained that she did not know who killed Vineet and had no role in the crime.
Murder pot and financial dispute under investigation
According to Vishal's latest statement, Subrat had discussed killing Vineet in a way that would make his death appear natural. Vishal also claimed that Subrat called him around six times on the day of the murder.
Police are investigating whether financial and property disputes were behind the alleged conspiracy.
Vishal reportedly told police that Subrat feared his father might transfer property to one of the women with whom Vineet allegedly had relationships.
Investigators are also examining an earlier dispute between Vineet and Subrat. According to sources, Vineet had reprimanded his son in June after allegedly discovering that Subrat had sold items from his office without informing him and kept the money.
However, police said Vineet's registered 2022 will divided his properties among his wife Punita, son Subrat and daughter Shubhani.
- PTC NEWS
