Subrat in police custody
Kanpur: In a dramatic turnaround in the investigation into the murder of 63-year-old pharmaceutical trader Vineet Minocha, police have arrested his son, Subrat (34), alleging that he masterminded the conspiracy and hired two men to carry out the killing. Police said the investigation so far has not found corroborative evidence against Subrat’s wife, Shalu (30), who had earlier been arrested in the case. Police said Subrat was deeply involved in IPL betting, gambling and intoxicants and had accumulated debts of more than Rs 40 lakh.
Kanpur police commissioner Raghubir Lal told TOI that the investigating officer, inspector KK Tiwari, would submit a report before the court incorporating all evidence, including details emerging from the interrogation of Vineet’s former employee Vishal Gautam, one of the accused. A senior police officer said Shalu’s alleged role, if any, would ultimately be determined on the basis of evidence and by the court. Investigators said Subrat wanted to eliminate the hurdles his father was allegedly creating for his lavish lifestyle.
However, officers stressed that she has not been given a clean chit yet. Police on Thursday said Subrat had hired Vishal and Raj Kishor to carry out the killing.
“Whether she is complicit or not will be decided by the court,” the officer said.
Lawyer Protests Disrupt Investigation Progress
The investigation led by DCP (west) Qasim Abidi has faced significant delays due to ongoing protests by lawyers. These demonstrations have created obstacles in both the investigative process and court proceedings related to the case.