Six Calls From a New SIM Deepen Kanpur Businessman Murder Investigation

KANPUR: The investigation into the murder of pharmaceutical trader Vineet Manocha has widened after police found that alleged shooter Vishal Gautam made six calls to Manocha’s son, Subrat, from a newly purchased SIM in the days surrounding the killing.

The discovery has put Subrat under renewed police scrutiny, although investigators have not accused him of murder and his role remains under investigation.

According to Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal, Gautam purchased the SIM on September 3, two days before Manocha was killed. The same number was also used to communicate with Manocha’s daughter-in-law, Shalu.

Lal told PTI that the calls to Subrat raised questions for investigators because the number was allegedly acquired for communications connected to the planned crime.

“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 was quoted as saying by PTI. He said investigators were examining whether Subrat had any involvement in the case.

Police Examine Extensive Call Records

Investigators have obtained call detail records from seven mobile numbers associated with Subrat, Shalu and Gautam.

The records cover the period from May 1 to September 6 and run to roughly 1,000 pages, according to police. Officers are examining the communications to establish the nature and timing of contacts before and after the murder.

Police have also found that Subrat and Gautam spoke 309 times between May 1 and September 5, the day Manocha was killed.

That communication is now part of the broader investigation. However, the existence of frequent calls by itself does not establish that Subrat knew about or participated in the alleged murder plot. Police are examining the contents, timing and circumstances surrounding the calls.

Gautam had previously worked for the Manocha family and remained in contact with Subrat after leaving the employment, police said. Investigators are also examining whether Subrat had helped Gautam obtain other work.

What Happened On September 5

Manocha, who ran a pharmaceutical business on Birhana Road with his son, was found dead inside his flat at Ratan Orbit in Kanpur in the early hours of September 5.

Earlier reports said Subrat and his wife, Shalu, had gone out with their child that night. CCTV footage reviewed by police showed two men entering the apartment while Manocha was away and leaving after he returned. Subrat later returned to the flat and reported the murder.

Police subsequently arrested Gautam and Raj Kishore in connection with the killing. Shalu was also arrested after investigators alleged that she had helped plan the murder.

Police have alleged that Shalu offered Gautam ₹6 lakh to kill her father-in-law. Investigators say the alleged plan involved providing a duplicate key and ensuring that the attackers could enter the flat while the family was away.

Those allegations have not been established in court.

Shalu’s Alleged Role Remains Under Investigation

Police have alleged that Shalu was involved in planning the murder and that she had been in contact with Gautam before the killing.

Investigators previously said they found 309 calls between Shalu and Gautam between May 1 and the day of the murder, while some messages exchanged between them had reportedly been deleted. Police have been attempting to recover additional digital evidence.

Shalu has denied the allegations, while members of her family have disputed the police theory that she masterminded the killing. Her lawyer has also questioned aspects of the police investigation, including the handling of her seized phone.

Property And Financial Records Also Being Examined

The investigation has expanded beyond phone records.

Police are examining Manocha’s property holdings and financial affairs, including a registered will from 2022. Commissioner Lal said the will distributed properties among Manocha’s wife, Punita, his son Subrat and his daughter Shubhani.

Investigators have identified properties in Kanpur and Ghaziabad and are examining whether the family’s financial circumstances had any connection to the alleged motive.

Police have also said they found indications that Subrat had debts, including online credit and other liabilities. Those findings are being examined as part of the wider investigation and do not by themselves establish a motive or involvement in the killing.

Investigation Continues

Police have sought further questioning of Shalu and Gautam and are comparing their statements with CCTV footage, call records and other digital evidence.

The six calls from Gautam’s newly purchased SIM to Subrat have become a particular focus because investigators are trying to determine why the alleged shooter contacted the victim’s son using a number that police believe was acquired shortly before the murder.

For now, Subrat has not been arrested in connection with the murder. The police investigation is continuing, and the significance of the six calls will depend on what investigators establish from the call records, digital evidence and questioning of the accused.

The case remains under investigation, and allegations made by police have yet to be tested in court.