The accused, Shalu Minocha (30), in police custody
Kanpur: A 30-year-old woman was arrested on Monday for allegedly masterminding the murder of her father-in-law, a pharmaceutical businessman, after a former employee claimed she hired him for Rs 6 lakh. She allegedly said her father-in-law, Vineet Minocha (63), had installed the CCTV cameras 15-20 days earlier for security purposes. Vishal subsequently enlisted his unemployed acquaintance, Raj Kishor (30), promising him an advance of Rs 30,000. The accused allegedly provided Vishal with the original key to their residence around 20 days before the murder, allowing him to make a duplicate. On Sept 5, the woman reportedly informed the accused that she, along with her husband Subrat and their son, would be attending a party. Section 61(2) of the BNS, relating to criminal conspiracy, has been added to the case.
Police said the alleged murder plot stemmed from a dispute over CCTV cameras installed by the victim in their apartment for security, which the woman claimed violated her privacy and caused her emotional distress. The accused, Shalu Minocha, admitted her involvement in the presence of female police officers after being confronted with the other accused, Vishal Gautam, according to police. Police said the woman had engaged Vishal, who had previously worked at Minocha’s store. Police said she permitted Vishal and Raj to enter Ratan Orbit Apartment in Kalyanpur despite initial resistance from the security officer. After receiving treatment, Vishal allegedly told police during questioning that he had killed Vineet on Shalu’s instructions for money.
She allegedly claimed they were delivering medicines and had Vishal registered under the fictitious name Shivam. The suspects reportedly concealed themselves in a bedroom after entering the apartment with the duplicate key. They were allegedly instructed to suffocate Minocha with a pillow to make his death appear as if it resulted from a heart attack. CCTV footage showed Vishal and Raj leaving the apartment. Police arrested them following an encounter late Sunday. Nothing was stolen from the flat, leading police to suspect personal enmity and a contract killing.