A murder plot intended to stage a heart attack was thwarted when the targeted victim returned home unexpectedly. The incident involves Shalu and her husband, Vineet Minocha. Details surrounding the motive and the specific circumstances leading to the plot remain under investigation.
Police allege Shalu stayed in touch with assailants
KANPUR: A murder planned to look like a heart attack allegedly turned into a brutal stabbing after 63-year-old businessman Vineet Minocha walked into his bedroom and noticed something unusual. The assailants allegedly panicked, attacked him with knives and fled, leaving Vineet with 26 stab wounds and a slit throat. Police said Shalu had approached Vishal, a former employee at Vineet’s pharmaceutical store, and allegedly offered him Rs 6 lakh for the killing. The postmortem found 26 stab wounds on Vineet’s body. Police said the murder took place sometime between 10.30pm on Saturday and 3am on Sunday, while Vineet was alone in the four-room apartment. The lounge’s CCTV DVR had no stored footage, but videos recorded by staff showed around 20-25 people, mostly couples, dancing to Bollywood songs.
Police said the footage confirmed their presence at the lounge that night. The investigation is continuing, with police examining the alleged communications between Shalu and the assailants and the circumstances surrounding Vineet’s murder. (With agency inputs) You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kanpur | Silver Rate in Kanpur | Bank Holidays in Kanpur | Public Holidays in Kanpur | Kanpur AQI | Weather in Kanpur | Petrol Price in Kanpur | Diesel Price in Kanpur | CNG Price in Kanpur | LPG Price in Kanpur Stay updated with the latest Kanpur news.
Minocha’s daughter-in-law Shalu Minocha, who police have accused of masterminding the murder, had allegedly instructed former employee Vishal Gautam and his acquaintance Raj Kishor to suffocate Vineet with a pillow so the death would appear natural, according to investigators. Police said they initially faced resistance from the security guard but told him they were delivering medicines. Investigators said the original plan was to suffocate Vineet with a pillow and make the killing look like a heart attack. Police said he was stabbed repeatedly and his throat was slit before the accused fled. Shalu and her husband were at Cosmozin Lounge in Tilak Nagar, police said While the alleged killing was taking place. A video recorded by lounge staff showed Shalu dancing with Subrat to the Bollywood song “Tum To Dhokhebaaz Ho, Vaada Karke Bhool Jaate Ho”. Police said Shalu’s behaviour appeared normal and other guests at the lounge seemed unaware of what was allegedly unfolding at her home. Despite being at the party, Shalu allegedly remained in contact with the two men through WhatsApp calls, messages and voice calls and allegedly guided them during the crime, according to investigators. Police said Shalu allegedly admitted her involvement in the presence of female police personnel after being confronted with Vishal. Investigators said CCTV footage showed Vishal and Raj leaving the apartment after the murder. Police said nothing was stolen from the apartment, strengthening their suspicion that the killing was motivated by personal enmity rather than robbery.
But the plan allegedly changed after Vineet walked into the bedroom around 11pm and noticed something unusual. Using the duplicate key, Vishal and Raj allegedly entered Ratan Orbit Apartment in Kalyanpur. Vishal allegedly registered himself under the fictitious name Shivam. After entering the apartment, the two men allegedly hid inside a bedroom and waited for Vineet to return. The plan allegedly went awry when Vineet entered the bedroom at around 11pm and noticed something unusual. Shalu was seen wearing a dark purple gown while Subrat was dressed in a grey shirt. The two were arrested following an encounter late Sunday. Download the TOI App.
Police arrested Shalu on Monday after Vishal allegedly told them that he had killed Vineet on her instructions in return for money.
Key Individuals in Alleged Apartment Key Duplication Scheme
Shalu allegedly provided Vishal with the original key to her family’s apartment for the purpose of making a duplicate. Vishal reportedly recruited his acquaintance Raj Kishor, 30, who is currently unemployed, with a promise of an advance payment of Rs 30,000.
On September 5, Shalu informed both men that she, her husband Subrat, and their son would be attending a party, which may have been part of the context for the key duplication.
CCTV dispute allegedly behind murder
Investigators suspect the alleged murder was linked to a dispute over CCTV cameras installed by Vineet inside the apartment around 15-20 days before his death.
Police said Shalu objected to the cameras, claiming they violated her privacy and caused her emotional distress.
Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to criminal conspiracy, has also been added to the case.