India
Police Investigate Kanpur Trader's Murder, Focus on Property Distribution and Family Communications
Kanpur police are investigating the murder of 63-year-old pharmaceutical trader Vineet Minocha, focusing on his 2022 will and communications between family members and suspects. The will designated his wife, son, and daughter as property stakeholders but excluded his daughter-in-law, Shalu. Investigators are examining whether this property distribution played a role in the murder.
Shalu, currently in jail, denied involvement during questioning on Monday, while former servant Vishal Gautam reiterated that he committed the killing at her direction. Shalu's lawyer, Shivakant Dixit, has raised concerns about the handling of her seized phone, claiming Instagram activity was recorded on September 6 at 10:03 AM. Dixit also requested an inquiry into Subrat's reported bank visit on the night of the murder.
Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal stated that alleged shooter Vishal Gautam purchased a SIM card on September 3, two days before Minocha's death, and used it to communicate with Shalu. Lal noted that calls were also made from this number to Subrat, prompting an examination of Subrat's potential involvement.
Investigators are scrutinizing Minocha's properties and financial affairs. The 2022 will allocated properties in Ghaziabad and Kanpur, including flats on Birhana Road and a property on Canal Road, to his wife Punita, son Subrat, and daughter Shubhani. Police are also investigating indications that Subrat was in debt, including online credit and other liabilities.
Analysis of call detail records from seven mobile numbers revealed over 300 conversations between Subrat and Vishal, the highest among the numbers examined. Police have obtained approximately 1,000 pages of call detail records for two numbers belonging to Vishal, three to Subrat, and two to Shalu, covering the period from May 1 until the night of the murder. These records are being analyzed for call duration and the identities and relationships of contacts.
Lal confirmed that Vishal obtained a new SIM on September 3 and ceased using his previous number the same day. Vishal reportedly made calls to both Shalu and Subrat. Vishal had previously informed police that Shalu instructed him to implicate Subrat if apprehended. After the murder, Vishal and an associate, Rajkishore, reportedly escaped from Ratan Orbit Apartment and later booked a taxi. They also contacted a friend five times, and police are gathering information about this friend to determine if murder details were disclosed or assistance sought.
Investigating officer Keshav Tiwari, in charge of Kalyanpur police station, questioned Shalu and Vishal in jail. Police plan to seek custody remand for Shalu and Vishal to facilitate face-to-face questioning with Subrat. The investigation continues to examine Minocha's will, call records, and suspect contacts to uncover details of the alleged conspiracy.