By Sumesh Rajan | September 29, 2026
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA: In a dramatic turn in the investigation into the murder of Kanpur pharmaceutical businessman Vineet Minocha, police have arrested his son, Subrat Minocha, alleging that he masterminded his father's killing and attempted to frame his own wife for the crime.
Subrat's wife, Shalu Minocha, who was initially arrested after investigators suspected her involvement in the conspiracy, was released after spending 21 days in jail. Police subsequently said their investigation found no evidence of her involvement and cleared her in the case.
Vineet Minocha, 60, was killed inside his flat at Ratan Orbit in Indira Nagar, Kalyanpur, on September 5. According to police, he suffered multiple stab wounds after assailants entered his residence.
The investigation initially appeared to point towards Shalu. However, further examination of phone records and other evidence allegedly led investigators towards her husband, Subrat.
Phone calls change direction of investigation
According to police, investigators discovered that one of the alleged assailants had made six calls to Subrat from a newly purchased SIM card.
The call records prompted police to question Subrat extensively and re-examine the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Police subsequently arrested him, alleging that he had hired former employee Vishal Gautam and Vishal's associate Rajkishore to kill his father.
Investigators further alleged that Subrat had instructed an accomplice to name Shalu as the mastermind if they were caught, thereby directing suspicion towards his wife.
Police said Shalu had initially been implicated partly on the basis of statements made during the investigation. As further evidence emerged, however, investigators concluded that she had no role in the conspiracy.
Police allege murder was planned weeks earlier
DCP West SM Qasim Abidi said Subrat had allegedly been harbouring resentment against his father for a considerable period and began planning the killing around one to two months before the murder.
According to the police account, Subrat was concerned about his father's property and feared that his inheritance could be affected.
Subrat allegedly told investigators that his father had relationships with other women and that he feared Vineet might eventually transfer his property to someone else.
Police said financial disagreements between father and son were also being examined as part of the alleged motive.
Investigators allege that Subrat approached Vishal, who had previously worked for the family and had reportedly been dismissed by Vineet several months earlier.
Police claim Subrat and Vishal initially considered diverting suspicion towards Vineet's brother Puneet following the killing.
However, investigators said the plan was subsequently changed because they believed Puneet had sufficient influence and resources to challenge the allegations and establish his innocence.
Around 25 days before the murder, according to police, Subrat allegedly decided that suspicion should instead be directed towards his wife.
Investigators allege he instructed Vishal to name Shalu if he was apprehended.
Wife spends 21 days behind bars
Shalu was arrested during the initial investigation and remained in custody for 21 days.
Police later cleared her after concluding that the evidence gathered during the subsequent investigation did not establish her involvement in the killing.
A court ordered her release, directing her to appear whenever summoned by the court or investigating officer.
Speaking after leaving jail, Shalu said the 21 days she spent in custody were among the most difficult days of her life.
“I had been saying from the beginning that I had done nothing. I am innocent. The truth is now before everyone,” she said.
Shalu said being separated from her young son was the hardest part of her imprisonment.
“Every moment, morning and evening, I was haunted by thoughts of my son. I couldn't sleep without him. His image was constantly before my eyes,” she said.
She said she had never previously been separated from him for such a long period and had requested police officers to allow her to speak to him while she was in custody.
‘I don't know why he did this to me’
Asked why her husband would allegedly implicate her in his father's murder, Shalu said she herself did not understand what had happened.
“I don't know why Subrat made allegations against me,” she said.
She said that when she was confronted with Subrat during the investigation, she asked him about the case.
According to Shalu, Subrat denied her involvement and told her, “I am sure you did not do this.”
Shalu said she did not want to comment further on the allegations against her husband and preferred to allow police and the court to determine the facts.
“The police and administration are doing their work and will ensure justice and truth prevail. Beyond that, I have no further comment,” she said.
She also thanked her family and lawyer for supporting her throughout the case.
Investigation focuses on alleged conspiracy
Police allege that Subrat's plan was intended not only to eliminate his father but also to ensure that investigators were led towards someone else.
Investigators are examining the alleged roles of Vishal Gautam and Rajkishore, along with phone records, financial dealings and other evidence connected with the case.
Police have alleged that Subrat wanted his father's death to appear different from an obvious contract killing, although the attack ultimately involved repeated stabbing.
Shalu, meanwhile, said she has not yet decided what she will do next and wants time to recover from her experience.
“I haven't thought about my future yet. Please give me some time to get back on my feet,” she said.
For now, she said her immediate priority was to reunite with her son and spend time with her family.
The investigation into the alleged conspiracy and the roles of the arrested accused is continuing.
Comments
Post a Comment