Daijiworld Media Network – Lucknow

Lucknow, Feb 24: The motive behind the murder of a 50-year-old businessman in Lucknow by his 21-year-old son has taken a more complex turn, with investigators now probing a deep-rooted family conflict and business rivalry angle beyond the initial claim of academic pressure.

The accused, Akshat Singh, had first told police that he killed his father, Manvendra Singh, after being repeatedly pressured to prepare for the NEET competitive examination. However, during sustained interrogation, investigators uncovered tensions linked to the family’s business empire.

Manvendra, originally from Jalaun district, had built a successful enterprise in Lucknow comprising four pathology laboratories and three licensed liquor shops. Following the death of his wife, his family said his life revolved around his son Akshat and daughter Kriti. His ambition was to see his son become a doctor.

Akshat, who completed Class 12 from La Martiniere School, had attempted NEET twice without success. According to sources, this marked the beginning of frequent disagreements between father and son. While Manvendra insisted on professional qualifications before entering the business, Akshat reportedly believed he was ready to take charge of the established ventures immediately.

Investigators also revisited a jewellery theft reported around four months ago. Although initial suspicion fell on domestic staff, later inquiries suggested internal involvement. The complaint was eventually withdrawn by Manvendra, but family members said trust between father and son had eroded significantly thereafter.

According to police, an argument broke out between the two in the early hours of February 20 over studies and future plans. During the altercation, Akshat allegedly shot his father in the head with a licensed rifle on the third floor of their house, killing him on the spot. His younger sister, Kriti, who heard the gunshot, was allegedly threatened and remained silent out of fear for four days.

Police said the accused initially planned to dispose of the body in the Gomti River but failed due to the weight. He later purchased a saw, dismembered the body, and disposed of parts in the Sadrauna area. The torso was stored in a blue drum at the house, while the head remains missing, sources said. Acid was also recovered from the premises, allegedly used in an attempt to destroy evidence.

When Manvendra was reported missing on February 21, Akshat claimed that his father had gone to Delhi and that his phone was switched off. However, inconsistencies in his statements raised suspicion. Forensic teams discovered bloodstains, signs of cleaning attempts, and suspicious marks in the car boot. Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of blood.

DCP (Central) Vikrant Veer said the missing complaint led to sustained questioning, during which the accused broke down. While initial investigation pointed to NEET-related pressure, some family members have asserted that the real trigger was mistrust and disputes over control of the business.

Manvendra’s father, Surendra Pal Singh, is a retired Uttar Pradesh Police officer, and his younger brother is also serving in the force.

Neighbours told police that Akshat often displayed his father’s licensed rifle, which has now been seized as part of the ongoing investigation.