The investigation into the murder of a 50-year-old businessman in Lucknow has revealed a complex family conflict that allegedly culminated in the killing of the man by his 21-year-old son. While the accused initially claimed he acted under pressure from his father to prepare for the NEET medical entrance examination, police inquiries have uncovered deeper tensions involving control over the family’s business empire.
The victim, Manvendra Singh, originally from Jalaun district, had built a successful life in Lucknow, owning four pathology laboratories and three licensed liquor shops. After the death of his wife, he reportedly devoted much of his attention to raising his children, Akshat and Kriti. According to relatives, Singh’s primary ambition was to see his son become a doctor, a goal that became a recurring source of disagreement within the family.
Akshat, who completed his schooling at La Martiniere College, had enrolled in coaching classes and attempted the NEET examination twice without success. Investigators say this period marked the beginning of growing friction between father and son. While Singh insisted that professional qualifications were essential before entering business, Akshat allegedly wanted to abandon medical studies and immediately assume control of the established family enterprises, believing the business offered quicker stability and independence.
During the investigation, another incident emerged that reportedly damaged trust between the two. Around four months before the murder, valuable jewellery went missing from the family home. Initial suspicion fell on domestic staff, and a police complaint was filed, but later developments suggested the theft may not have involved outsiders. Although Singh withdrew the complaint before the matter escalated publicly, relatives indicated that suspicion within the household strained their relationship, leading the father to monitor his son more closely.
Police said a confrontation took place early on February 20, when Singh again urged Akshat to focus seriously on NEET preparation. Investigators believe this discussion may have reflected accumulated resentment stemming from academic pressure, mistrust, and disagreements over the future of the family business. During the dispute, Akshat allegedly used a licensed rifle to shoot his father in the head on the third floor of their residence, killing him instantly.
According to investigators, Akshat’s younger sister Kriti heard the gunshot and rushed to the scene but was allegedly threatened by her brother and warned against informing anyone. She reportedly remained frightened and silent for several days following the incident.
Police allege that after the killing, the accused attempted to dispose of the body to conceal the crime. Initially planning to transport the body in a vehicle and dump it in the Gomti River, he reportedly abandoned the idea after finding it difficult to move the body alone. Investigators claim he later purchased a saw, dismembered the body, and disposed of different parts in separate locations around the Sadrauna area to avoid detection. The torso was allegedly stored in a blue drum at the house with plans for later disposal, while acid recovered from the premises is believed to have been used in an attempt to destroy evidence.
Authorities said the accused allegedly drove approximately 21 kilometres to discard the severed head and other body parts, though the head has not yet been recovered. The licensed rifle used in the crime was reportedly buried in an attempt to eliminate evidence.
Suspicion intensified after Singh was reported missing on February 21. Akshat initially told police that his father had travelled to Delhi and switched off his phone, but inconsistencies in his statements led investigators to question him further. Forensic teams later detected blood traces and signs of cleaning inside the house and in the car used by the accused, with chemical analysis confirming the presence of bloodstains.
DCP (Central) Vikrant Veer stated that early claims focused on academic pressure related to NEET preparation, but investigators are now examining broader motives, including strained trust and disputes over the family’s business interests. Neighbours also told police that the accused had previously been seen showing off his father’s firearm, which has now become a key piece of evidence.
As interrogation continues, investigators say the case increasingly points to a combination of personal conflict, mistrust, and ambitions surrounding inheritance and business control as possible motives behind the crime.
