The motive behind the brutal murder of a 50-year-old businessman in Lucknow by his 21-year-old son appears to be far more complex than initially claimed. What began as an assertion of academic pressure linked to the NEET examination has now unfolded into a disturbing family conflict centred around the father's proposed second marriage.
The victim, Manvendra Singh, a local businessman, was allegedly shot dead by his son, Akshat Pratap Singh, also known as Raja, and in order to conceal the murder, chopped off the body parts and threw them while hiding the remaining torso in a drum after being repeatedly pressured to prepare for the NEET competitive exam.
Man was upset over his father's second marriage talks
However, upon deeper investigation and interrogation, a family conflict angle emerged, suggesting that the son was upset over the father's second marriage talks, said sources.
The probe has also revealed disturbing post-crime behaviour. Police claimed that after the murder, Akshat allegedly sat near the body and ate non-vegetarian food.
During questioning, the accused told police that he went to his aunt's house, asked her to prepare chicken and paneer curry, returned home, and had dinner with his sister Kriti Singh, while the body lay concealed nearby.
Police probing sister's role
Sources further said Kriti continued to appear for her examinations even after the killing, prompting police to examine her role. Investigators are probing whether she had any involvement or remained silent due to fear. It is also alleged that the siblings met their aunt and ensured she did not enter the room where the body was hidden.
Police say Akshat had purchased a saw and a blue drum in advance as part of a plan to dispose of the body. On February 20, at around 4:30 am, he allegedly shot his sleeping father in the head using Singh's licensed rifle. Investigators claim he stood by until his father stopped breathing; his sister was present in the room at the time.
After the killing, Akshat allegedly dragged the body from the third floor to the ground floor, placed it in a bathroom, dismembered it using a saw, and stuffed the remains into a blue drum.
The Uttar Pradesh Police said the case is being investigated from all angles, including motive, planning, and the possible role of other family members. Further action will be taken based on evidence emerging during interrogation and forensic analysis.
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