Kanpur: The police investigation into the murder of 63-year-old pharmaceutical businessman Vineet Minocha has raised questions about the possible involvement of his son, Subrat, after investigators found that the alleged killer made six calls to him from a newly purchased SIM card.
Minocha was found dead inside his flat on September 5, after allegedly being stabbed 26 times. His son, Subrat, was reportedly away with his wife and child when the murder took place. The family returned at around 3 am and informed the authorities after finding Minocha lying in a pool of blood in the bedroom.
Ten days into the investigation, police are examining whether Subrat had prior knowledge of the alleged murder plot.
Daughter-in-Law Allegedly Hired Killers
Kanpur police arrested Vishal Gautam, 30, a former employee of the family, and his associate Raj Kishore after reviewing CCTV footage.
During questioning, Vishal allegedly told investigators that the murder was carried out at the behest of Minocha’s daughter-in-law, Shalu, 36. She allegedly promised to pay him ₹6 lakh to kill her father-in-law.
Shalu and two other associates have been arrested in connection with the case.
According to the investigation, Shalu initially attempted to mislead the police but later allegedly admitted her involvement. Investigators believe she was upset over her father-in-law’s alleged surveillance through CCTV cameras, objections to her attending late-night parties and control over household expenses.
She allegedly had to seek money from Minocha even for minor personal and household expenses involving herself and her husband.
Why Is the Son Under Investigation?
According to Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal, Vishal purchased the new SIM card on September 3, two days before the murder. The number was allegedly used to communicate with Shalu.
However, police found that calls were also made from the number to 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 news agency PTI.
The commissioner said investigators were examining Subrat’s possible involvement.
Police reportedly analysed the call records of seven mobile numbers linked to Subrat, Shalu and Vishal. The records, covering the period from May 1 to September 6, reportedly run into nearly 1,000 pages.
Investigators found that Subrat and Vishal had spoken approximately 309 times between May 1 and September 5.
The calls alone do not establish involvement, and police are continuing to examine the context and content of the communications.
How the Murder Was Allegedly Planned
According to the investigation, Shalu approached Vishal and offered him ₹6 lakh to carry out the killing.
The payment was allegedly to be made in two instalments:
- ₹2 lakh a day after the murder
- ₹4 lakh 15 days later
Shalu allegedly provided Vishal with a duplicate key to the house.
On September 4, during the Janmashtami festival, she reportedly called Vishal to the residence under the pretext of giving him certain items. Investigators believe the final details of the plan were discussed during that meeting.
Alleged Entry into the Apartment
Police said that shortly after Shalu and Subrat left for a party with their child, Vishal and Raj Kishore arrived at the apartment.
The security guard, identified as Madan, reportedly stopped them at first. Vishal allegedly connected the guard to Shalu over the phone.
Shalu reportedly told the guard that the two men had come to deliver medicines and should be allowed to enter the premises.
Vishal had previously been removed from his job over an alleged theft but reportedly remained in contact with Subrat, according to police.
The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against the accused—including the possible role of Subrat—will be subject to further evidence and legal proceedings.
