By Sumesh Rajan | February 25, 2026
Nearly five days after businessman Manavendra Singh was allegedly shot dead by his son, Akshat Pratap Singh, investigators say the probe has moved far beyond the killing itself. Police now believe the crime was followed by a meticulously planned effort to destroy evidence and fabricate a narrative of disappearance.
According to investigators, the alleged cover-up began almost immediately after the February 20 shooting. Authorities are piecing together family tensions and financial disagreements that they believe culminated in the fatal incident.
Manavendra Singh, who operated multiple pathology laboratories and licensed liquor shops in Lucknow, had reportedly been urging his son to focus on medical studies and clear the NEET examination. Police sources said Akshat, however, was inclined toward taking over the family’s business operations — a disagreement that had triggered frequent disputes in recent months. A fresh argument hours before the shooting is believed to have escalated into violence.
Fresh findings indicate advance procurement of weapons, destruction of forensic evidence, digital manipulation, and unexplained silence inside the house at the time of the gunshot.
Knives ordered online, drum and saw bought offline
Police sources said Akshat allegedly ordered two knives through an online delivery platform a day before the murder. He later purchased a saw and a blue plastic drum from a local market.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted to dismembering his father’s body using the knives and saw. Body parts were reportedly placed in the boot of a car for disposal. Senior police officer Abhay Pratap Mall confirmed that the accused was taken to the residence for a spot inspection, where he narrated the sequence of events to investigators.
Blood-soaked bedding burnt near canal
Investigators said the gunshot caused heavy bleeding, staining blankets, bedsheets and pillows. Flesh fragments were also allegedly found embedded in the fabric. Akshat is accused of packing these materials into sacks and transporting them to the Sadaruna canal bank, where he allegedly set them on fire in an attempt to eliminate evidence.
Partially burnt clothes and ashes were later recovered from the site and sent for forensic examination.
Walls repainted to conceal bloodstains
Police officials said blood splatter marked portions of the room following the firing in the early hours of February 20. To erase visible stains and forensic traces, the accused allegedly purchased paint and repainted sections of the wall as part of a broader clean-up operation inside the house.
‘Papa Laut Aao’ WhatsApp search drama
Investigators have also uncovered what they describe as a staged search effort. After the killing, Akshat allegedly created a WhatsApp group titled “Papa Laut Aao,” adding his father’s friends and associates and posting emotional messages urging him to return home.
Police sources said he joined friends in search efforts while closely monitoring conversations within the group to deflect suspicion. Digital records from the group are now being examined as crucial evidence.
Routine life continued despite body in house
Probe findings suggest that routine activities inside the residence allegedly continued even after the murder. Investigators claim Akshat arranged tools required for disposal while he and his sister maintained normal communication with relatives to avoid raising suspicion. Authorities are verifying claims that regular household interactions continued while the body remained inside the premises.
Sister’s role under scrutiny
The role of Akshat’s sister, Kriti, has emerged as a key focus of the investigation. Police said she was allegedly present in the room when the shooting took place around 4.30 am and witnessed the incident. However, she did not disclose the matter for nearly 24 hours.
Her statement was recorded only after sustained questioning. Investigators are examining whether her silence stemmed from fear or whether she had prior knowledge of events surrounding the crime.
Phone location and misleading trail
Location tracking data showed that Akshat travelled to Kakori later on February 20 and allegedly switched on his phone there so that the last recorded location would appear away from the residence.
Police suspect the movement was intended to create a misleading digital trail following the murder.
Gunshot reportedly unheard
Another aspect under examination is that the gunshot fired at around 4.30 am reportedly went unheard by other family members sleeping on different floors of the house. At the time, relatives — including the wife and children of Akshat’s uncle Arvind — were present in the house. Family members have maintained that they were asleep and unaware of the incident.
Investigators are now examining how a close-range gunshot did not alert others in the residence.
Forensic and digital probe deepens
With the recovery of burnt materials, reconstruction of the crime scene, and analysis of digital evidence underway, police say the investigation has entered a deeper forensic phase. Authorities are focusing on establishing the extent of planning, post-crime conduct, and possible complicity.
Investigators describe the case as revealing “multiple layers of planning,” extending beyond the immediate motive linked to family disputes and control over business interests.
Comments
Post a Comment