Kanpur Pharma Trader Murder: Will, Property Distribution, 300+ Calls Put Son Under Police Scanner
Kanpur: The murder of 63-year-old pharmaceutical trader Vineet Minocha in Kanpur is being investigated from multiple angles, with police examining whether a 2022 will and the distribution of his property could have played a role in the killing. The will had named his wife Punita, son Subrat and daughter Shubhani as stakeholders, while excluding his daughter-in-law Shalu, who is among those being investigated in connection with the case.
According to a recent report in The Times of India, Minocha's 2022 will, which made his wife Punita, son Subrat and daughter Shubhani stakeholders in his property while excluding his daughter-in-law Shalu, is among the key aspects being examined by investigators. Police are probing whether the distribution of his properties could have had any bearing on the murder. Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said investigators had found properties in Ghaziabad and Kanpur, including flats on Birhana Road and a property on Canal Road, besides other assets.
"We have so far found properties in Ghaziabad and Kanpur, including flats on Birhana Road and a property on Canal Road, besides other assets," Lal said. Police are examining whether the manner in which the properties were distributed had any connection with the murder. Investigators have also found indications that Subrat was in debt, including online credit and other liabilities, Lal told news agency PTI.
Shalu Denies Involvement, Vishal Repeats Allegation
Police on Monday recorded the statements of Shalu, 30, who is currently in jail, and former servant Vishal Gautam after obtaining court permission to question them. While Shalu denied involvement and remained silent on several questions, Vishal reiterated that he carried out the killing at her behest, police stated.
Investigating officer and Kalyanpur police station in-charge Keshav Tiwari questioned Shalu and Vishal in jail after securing court permission. Police plan to seek custody remand for Shalu and Vishal and question the two face-to-face with Subrat.
Over 300 Conversations Between Subrat, Vishal Under Scanner
Investigators are closely examining the communication between Minocha's son Subrat and Vishal after analysing call detail records of seven mobile numbers. More than 300 conversations were recorded between Subrat and Vishal, the highest among the numbers examined, increasing police suspicion of Subrat.
Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said around 1,000 pages of call detail records had been obtained for seven mobile numbers — two belonging to Vishal, three to Subrat and two to Shalu.
The records cover the period from May 1 until the night of the murder. Investigators are examining calls made by the suspects before and after the murder, including their duration and the identities and relationships of the people contacted. Police are also looking into Subrat's links with Vishal as part of the investigation.
Vishal Bought New SIM Two Days Before Murder
According to Lal, Vishal obtained a new SIM on September 3, two days before the murder, and stopped using his previous number on the same day. He subsequently made calls to both Shalu and Subrat. Lal said the calls to Subrat were being examined in the context of the alleged conspiracy.
"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, adding that investigators were examining Subrat's possible involvement.
Vishal had earlier told police that Shalu instructed him to name Subrat if he was caught, police stated.
Lawyer Questions Handling of Shalu's Seized Phone
Shalu's lawyer, Shivakant Dixit, has questioned the handling of her seized phone, claiming that activity was recorded on its Instagram account at 10.03am on September 6.
He has sought an inquiry into the matter and also questioned Subrat's reported visit to a bank on the night of the murder.
Police Examine Movements After Murder
TOI reports that Vishal and his aide Rajkishore allegedly escaped from Ratan Orbit Apartment in Indira Nagar by scaling a wall after the murder and later booked a taxi. The two also called a friend five times. Investigators are now collecting information about the friend to determine whether Vishal disclosed details of the murder or sought assistance.
