The investigation into pharmaceutical trader Vineet Manocha’s murder has taken a new turn. (Image: Google)
Kanpur (UP): The investigation into the murder of pharmaceutical trader Vineet Manocha has taken a new turn after police found that his son Subrat allegedly spoke to accused Vishal Gautam six times in the days before the killing on September 5, 2026. The call records have prompted investigators to examine whether Subrat had any role in the alleged conspiracy. His wife, Shalu, has already been arrested in connection with the case.
Police have alleged that Shalu was involved in planning the murder and that Vishal and another associate were engaged to execute the crime. Investigators are now attempting to establish why the alleged killer maintained contact with Subrat shortly before Manocha was killed.
Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said Vishal allegedly purchased a new SIM card on September 3, 2026, just two days before the murder. According to police, the new number was subsequently used to contact both Shalu and Subrat. Investigators are now examining the circumstances and purpose of those conversations. Police have collected call detail records from seven mobile numbers associated with Subrat, Shalu and Vishal. The records cover the period from May 1 to September 6, 2026, and reportedly extend to around 1,000 pages.
Investigators are analysing the communication patterns to determine what happened before and after the murder.
Manocha, 60, operated a pharmaceutical business on Birhana Road with his son. He was allegedly stabbed to death inside the premises during the early hours of September 5, 2026. Police have previously examined whether financial restrictions allegedly imposed by Manocha on Subrat and Shalu could have been a possible motive behind the alleged conspiracy.
However, the exact motive and the respective roles of those arrested remain under investigation.
Shalu has denied allegations that she planned the murder, according to police. Investigators, however, have said Vishal allegedly claimed that he killed Manocha at Shalu’s direction. Police said he also claimed that she had promised him Rs 6 lakh and a job. Shalu, Vishal and Raj Kishore have been arrested and are currently in jail in connection with the case.
The Kalyanpur police station officer questioned Shalu and Vishal in jail on Tuesday after obtaining court permission. More than 30 questions were reportedly asked about the alleged conspiracy, their communications and movements around the time of the murder.
Investigators have sought custody remand of Shalu and Vishal. Commissioner Lal said the remand was expected to be granted within two days. If granted, investigators could question Subrat alongside the two accused as they attempt to reconcile the different accounts emerging during the probe. Police are also comparing statements with CCTV footage, including Subrat’s account of how he allegedly identified Vishal as the person who entered the premises.
Investigators are separately reconstructing Vishal’s movements following the killing. Police said Vishal contacted associate Raj Kishore five times after the murder and travelled by Uber to his alleged hideout. Investigators are examining the cab route, the driver’s statement and digital payment records to establish his movements.
Commissioner Lal also rejected reports claiming that Shalu had searched online for methods to kill someone and make the death appear to be suicide or a heart attack. Lal described the claim as a rumour, while police continue to examine digital evidence recovered from Shalu’s phone. Her lawyer Shivakant Dixit has questioned the handling of the seized device, pointing to reported Instagram activity on the account at 10:03 am on September 6, 2026.
The defence has also sought an inquiry into Subrat’s reported visit to a bank on the night of the murder.
The investigation has now expanded beyond the alleged murder conspiracy to Manocha’s financial affairs and properties. According to Commissioner Lal, Manocha had executed a registered will in 2022 under which his properties were left to his wife Punita, son Subrat and daughter Shubhani.
Police are examining the financial and property-related aspects alongside the communication records, CCTV footage and digital evidence as the investigation continues.
