Kanpur trader murder twist: Son under scanner after 309 calls with accused shooter; daughter-in-law already in jail
Kanpur trader murder: The investigation into the murder of 60-year-old Kanpur pharmaceutical trader Vineet Manocha has taken a new turn, with the police examining the possible involvement of his son, Subrat Manocha.
The development follows an analysis of call records that allegedly showed 309 calls between Subrat and accused shooter Vishal Gautam between May 1 and September 5, the day Vineet Manocha was killed.
The police said the communication pattern raised questions about Subrat's possible role in the case. Investigators are now studying the calls and other evidence to determine the nature of the relationship between the two men and whether their conversations were connected to the murder.
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According to the police, accused shooter Vishal bought a new SIM card on September 3, just two days before Vineet Manocha was stabbed to death. Investigators said the new number was later used to contact both Manocha's daughter-in-law Shalu and his son Subrat.
Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said Vishal made six calls to Subrat using the newly acquired number.
“If Shalu planned the murder, hatched the conspiracy and Vishal purchased a new number for the crime, the question is why calls were made from that number to Subrat,” Lal told a news agency.
The police said they were now trying to establish whether the calls were routine communication or had any connection with the alleged conspiracy.
Police analysing around 1,000 pages of call records
Investigators have collected call detail records from seven mobile numbers linked to Subrat, Shalu and Vishal. The records cover the period from May 1 to September 6 and reportedly run to around 1,000 pages.
The police are analysing the frequency and timing of calls made before and after the murder. The exercise is intended to help investigators establish a clearer timeline and identify communication between the accused and other people connected to the case.
Vineet Manocha, who operated a pharmaceutical business with his son on Birhana Road, was stabbed to death in the early hours of September 5. Shalu, Vishal and Raj Kishore have been arrested in connection with the case and are currently in jail.
Police question Shalu and Vishal in jail
As part of the investigation, Kalyanpur SHO Keshav Tiwari questioned Shalu and Vishal in jail on Tuesday after obtaining permission from the court.
The police said more than 30 questions were put to the two accused regarding the alleged conspiracy, their communications and their movements before and after the murder.
Shalu has denied any role in planning Manocha's killing. The police, however, said Vishal allegedly told investigators that he committed the murder at Shalu's request. According to the police version, Vishal claimed that Shalu had promised him Rs 6 lakh and a job.
Police seek custody of two accused
Investigators have also sought custody remand of Shalu and Vishal. Police Commissioner Lal said the remand was expected to be considered within two days.
If custody is granted, investigators plan to question the accused further and may confront their statements with Subrat as part of the investigation.
The police are also comparing the statements of the accused with CCTV footage. One of the issues being examined is Subrat's account of how he identified Vishal as the person who entered the premises around the time of the murder.
The police are separately tracing Vishal's movements following the murder. According to investigators, Vishal called his aide Raj Kishore five times and later travelled to a hideout in an Uber cab. The police are examining the cab's route, the driver's statement and digital payment records to reconstruct his movements.
Police dismiss online search claim as rumour
Police Commissioner Lal has also rejected reports claiming that Shalu had searched online for methods to kill someone and make the death appear to be a suicide or heart attack.
Lal described the claim as a rumour, while saying investigators are examining digital evidence recovered from Shalu's mobile phone.
- PTC NEWS
