Six Calls, 309 Contacts: Why Subrat Is Now Under Scanner in Kanpur Murder Case

The investigation into the murder of pharmaceutical trader Vineet Manocha has widened, with police examining the role of his son Subrat after call records linked him to alleged shooter Vishal Gautam.

Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said Gautam purchased a new SIM on September 3, two days before Manocha was killed on September 5. The number was used to contact Shalu, Manocha’s daughter-in-law, and Subrat. Investigators found six calls to Subrat from the new number and about 309 calls between Subrat and Gautam between May 1 and September 5.

Police have obtained call-detail records of seven mobile numbers linked to Subrat, Shalu and Gautam. The records, covering May 1 to September 6, run to about 1,000 pages and are being analysed to understand the nature of communications before and after the murder.

Manocha, 60, who ran a pharmaceutical firm on Birhana Road with his son, was stabbed to death in the early hours of September 5. Shalu, Gautam and Raj Kishore are in jail in connection with the case.

Police questioned Shalu and Gautam in jail on Tuesday after obtaining court permission. More than 30 questions were put to them about the alleged conspiracy, communications and activities before and after the murder. Shalu denied planning the murder, while Gautam allegedly told police that he killed Manocha at her behest and claimed she had promised him Rs 6 lakh and a job.

Investigators are also examining Gautam’s movements after the murder. Police said he called Raj Kishore five times and travelled by Uber to a hideout. The cab route, driver’s statement and digital payment records are being examined. CCTV footage is also being matched with statements, including Subrat’s account of identifying Gautam.

Police are examining digital evidence from Shalu’s phone. Lal denied reports that she had searched online for ways to kill a person and make it appear like suicide or a heart attack, calling the claim a rumour.

The probe has also turned to Manocha’s properties and financial affairs. Police said his 2022 will leave properties to his wife Punita, son Subrat and daughter Shubhani. Investigators are examining assets in Kanpur and Ghaziabad and indications of Subrat’s debts, including online credit and other liabilities.