KANPUR, INDIA: Police in India’s Uttar Pradesh have arrested a 36-year-old woman over the alleged murder of her 63-year-old father-in-law, with investigators accusing her of hiring a domestic worker to carry out the killing.
According to Indian media reports, pharmacist-turned-businessman Vineet Menuacha was found dead inside his home after allegedly being attacked 26 times with a sharp-edged weapon. Police initially arrested domestic worker Vishal in connection with the killing and later detained his alleged accomplice, Raj Kishore.
The investigation reportedly took a new turn after information obtained from the suspects led police to Shalu, the victim’s daughter-in-law.
Police allege family dispute led to murder plot
Police allege that Shalu had been unhappy with her father-in-law because he monitored the household through CCTV cameras, objected to her returning home late after parties and controlled access to money for household and personal expenses.
According to investigators, tensions escalated after an argument on July 28, when Shalu allegedly returned home late from a party.
Police claim the dispute subsequently contributed to an alleged plan to have her father-in-law killed.
Domestic worker allegedly offered INR 600,000
Investigators allege that Shalu offered Vishal INR 600,000 to kill Menuacha.
Police reportedly found evidence suggesting that INR 200,000 was to be paid on September 6, with the remaining INR 400,000 due 15 days later.
According to police, Shalu initially attempted to mislead investigators but later allegedly admitted her role during questioning. These claims remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Police say duplicate key was used
Investigators allege that Shalu obtained an additional key to the apartment and handed it to Vishal.
Police said that on September 4, during Janmashtami, Shalu allegedly called Vishal to the apartment on the pretext of giving him some items. Investigators believe the alleged murder plan was finalized during that meeting.
Later that night, Shalu reportedly left for a party with her husband, Subrat, and their child. Police allege that Vishal and Raj Kishore arrived at the apartment shortly afterward.
Security guard reportedly allowed suspects inside
The apartment’s security guard, identified as Madan, initially stopped the two men, according to investigators.
Police allege that Vishal then spoke to Shalu by phone, after which she told the guard that the men had arrived to deliver medicines. The suspects were subsequently allowed into the apartment.
Investigators said the initial plan was allegedly to suffocate Menuacha with a pillow and make his death appear to be from a heart attack.
Police allege that the plan changed when the two men hid in the victim’s son’s room. When Menuacha entered, they allegedly attacked him with knives, inflicting 26 wounds before fleeing.
Family returns from party to discover body
Shalu, her husband and their child reportedly returned home at around 3am and found Menuacha’s body in the bedroom.
Police were subsequently informed. Investigators reportedly noted that no valuables had been stolen from the apartment, leading them to suspect that the killing may have stemmed from a personal dispute rather than robbery.
Husband’s possible role under investigation
Shalu is currently in custody, while police are examining the phone records of her husband, Subrat.
Investigators are reportedly trying to determine whether he knew about the alleged murder plan or had any involvement in it.
The allegations against the suspects have not yet been established in court.