The investigation into the murder of pharmaceutical businessman Vineet Manocha has taken a fresh turn after police found that his son, Subrat, received six calls from the alleged shooter using a newly purchased SIM card shortly before the killing.
Manocha was found dead inside his Kanpur residence on September 5 after being stabbed multiple times. His daughter-in-law Shalu and two alleged associates have been arrested in connection with the case.
New SIM raises questions
According to Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal, alleged shooter Vishal Gautam purchased the new SIM on September 3, two days before the murder. The number was subsequently used to contact both Shalu and Subrat.
Police are now examining why Gautam contacted Subrat using a number that investigators believe was acquired for the alleged crime. The commissioner said investigators are looking into whether Subrat had any knowledge of the alleged conspiracy or any role in the case.
Police have obtained call-detail records of seven mobile numbers linked to Subrat, Shalu and Gautam. The records, covering May 1 to September 6, run to nearly 1,000 pages.
Hundreds of calls under scrutiny
Investigators have also found that Subrat and Gautam spoke around 309 times between May 1 and September 5. Gautam had previously worked for the family and reportedly remained in contact with Subrat after leaving his employment.
Police have questioned Shalu and Gautam in jail and are comparing their statements with call records and CCTV footage.
While police have alleged that Shalu arranged the killing, the investigation into Subrat’s possible involvement remains ongoing. No conclusion about his role has been established at this stage.