New twist in Kanpur millionaire's murder, son under scanner over calls to shooter
The investigation into the murder of pharmaceutical trader Vineet Manocha has widened, with police examining the possible involvement of his son Subrat after finding that the alleged shooter made six calls to him from a newly purchased SIM, a senior official said on Tuesday.
Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said alleged shooter Vishal Gautam bought the SIM on September 3, two days before Manocha was killed. The number was subsequently used to contact Manocha’s daughter-in-law Shalu as well as 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 looking into Subrat’s possible role.
So far, Shalu and two other associates have been arrested in connection with the murder.
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 establish the nature and frequency of communication before and after the murder.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) S M Qasim Abidi said investigators found that Subrat and Vishal spoke 309 times between May 1 and September 5, the night Manocha was killed.
Manocha, 60, who ran a pharmaceutical firm on Birhana Road with his son, was stabbed to death in the early hours of September 5. Shalu, Vishal and Raj Kishore are currently in jail in connection with the case.
Vishal had previously worked for Manocha but was removed over an alleged theft. Despite this, police said, he remained in contact with Subrat.
As part of the investigation, Kalyanpur SHO Keshav Tiwari questioned Shalu and Vishal in jail on Tuesday after securing 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, Vishal allegedly told police that he killed Manocha at her behest. He claimed she had promised him Rs 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 matching the accused’s statements with CCTV footage, including Subrat’s account of how he identified Vishal as the person who entered the premises.
Police are separately tracing Vishal’s movements after the murder. He allegedly called his associate Raj Kishore five times and travelled to his hideout in an Uber cab. Investigators are examining the cab route, the driver’s statement and digital payment records.
Lal also denied reports that Shalu had searched online for ways to kill someone and make the death appear to be suicide or a heart attack, calling the claim a rumour. Police are, however, examining digital evidence from her phone.
Shalu’s lawyer Shivakant Dixit has questioned the handling of her seized phone, claiming its Instagram account showed activity at 10.03 am on September 6. He also sought an inquiry into Subrat’s reported visit to a bank on the night of the murder.
The probe has also expanded to Manocha’s properties and financial affairs. Lal said a registered will made in 2022 left his properties to his wife Punita, son Subrat and daughter Shubhani.
Police have so far identified properties in Ghaziabad and Kanpur, including flats on Birhana Road and a property on Canal Road, besides other assets.
Investigators are examining whether the distribution of the properties had any bearing on the murder. Police have also found indications that Subrat was in debt, including online credit and other liabilities, Lal said.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 15, 2026 23:49 IST
