Kanpur Pharma Trader Murder Probe Widens As Son’s Calls With Killer Come Under Scanner

The investigation into the murder of Kanpur-based pharmaceutical trader Vineet Manocha has widened after police found that his son Subrat spoke to alleged killer Vishal Gautam six times in the days before the September 5 murder, prompting investigators to examine whether he had any role in the crime.

Manocha, 60, who ran a pharmaceutical firm on Birhana Road with his son, was stabbed to death in the early hours of September 5. His daughter-in-law Shalu, Vishal and Raj Kishore have been arrested and are currently in jail in connection with the case.

Police have alleged that Shalu plotted Manocha's murder and hired Vishal and another person to carry it out. Investigators had earlier said that financial restrictions allegedly imposed by Manocha on his son and daughter-in-law could have been a possible motive for the conspiracy.

New SIM Card Used To Contact Shalu And Subrat

Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said Vishal purchased a new SIM card on September 3, two days before Manocha was killed. Police found that the new number was subsequently used to contact both Shalu and Subrat.

“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 PTI, adding that investigators were examining Subrat's possible role.

Police have obtained call detail records of seven mobile numbers linked to Subrat, Shalu and Vishal. The records, covering the period from May 1 to September 6, run into around 1,000 pages and are being analysed to determine the nature and frequency of communications before and after the murder.

Vishal had previously worked for Manocha but was removed over an alleged theft. Despite this, police said he remained in contact with Subrat.

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 court permission. More than 30 questions were put to them about the alleged conspiracy, their communications and their activities before and after the murder.

While Shalu denied planning the murder, police said Vishal allegedly told investigators that he killed Manocha at her behest. He reportedly claimed that she had promised him ₹6 lakh and a job.

Police have also sought custody remand of Shalu and Vishal. Lal said the remand was likely to be granted within two days, following which investigators could cross-question Subrat with the two accused.

Investigators are also comparing the accused's statements with CCTV footage, including Subrat's account of how he identified Vishal as the person who entered the premises.

Killer's Movements After Murder Traced

Police are separately tracing Vishal's movements after the murder. According to investigators, he called his associate Raj Kishore five times and travelled to his hideout in an Uber cab.

The police are examining the cab route, the driver's statement and digital payment records as part of the probe.

Lal also denied reports that Shalu had searched online for methods to kill someone and make the death appear to be a suicide or heart attack, calling the claim a rumour. However, police are examining digital evidence recovered from her phone.

Shalu's lawyer Shivakant Dixit has questioned the handling of her seized phone, claiming that its Instagram account showed activity at 10.03 am on September 6. He has also sought an inquiry into Subrat's reported visit to a bank on the night of the murder.

Police Examine Manocha's Will And Properties

The investigation has also expanded to Manocha's properties and financial affairs. According to Lal, Manocha had executed a registered will in 2022 under which his properties were left to his wife Punita, son Subrat and daughter Shubhani.

The police are continuing to examine the financial and digital evidence alongside call records, CCTV footage and the statements of the accused to establish the sequence of events surrounding the murder.