What began as a missing person complaint in Lucknow’s Ashiyana area has resulted into one of the most chilling murder investigations in recent memory. The case has unfolded from what first appeared to be a sudden outburst over NEET pressure into a chilling narrative of alleged planning, dismemberment and an elaborate attempt to erase evidence.
In the early hours of February 20, businessman Manvendra Singh was shot dead inside his own home by his 21-year-old son, Akshat Pratap Singh. The police have now secured 14 days of judicial custody of the accused to continue the interrogation.
TENSIONS SIMMERED OVER STUDIES, BUSINESS
Manvendra Singh, originally from Jalaun district, had established multiple pathology laboratories and licenced liquor shops in Lucknow. According to police sources, he wanted his son to clear the NEET and pursue medicine before entering the family business.
Investigators say Akshat, however, was increasingly inclined towards directly taking control of the already established enterprise. Family members described recurring arguments over education, responsibility and succession.
JEWELLERY THEFT, FATHER’S TRUST BROKEN
About four months ago, valuable jewellery was stolen from Manvendra’s home. Initially, suspicion fell on the domestic help, and a police complaint was filed. Later, it was found that the jewellery had not been stolen by them. Fingers were raised within the family, with Akshat’s role seen as suspicious.
Before the matter escalated, Manvendra withdrew the complaint. Though the case was quietly resolved externally, the father’s trust had already been shaken. From then on, he began monitoring Akshat’s activities closely. Close sources say this mistrust created cracks in their relationship.
FEBRUARY 20: THE FATAL CONFRONTATION
According to the police statements, the shooting took place around 4.30 am on the third floor of the house. During a heated exchange, Akshat allegedly picked up his father’s rifle and fired at close range, killing him on the spot.
His sister Kriti was reportedly present in the room. In her account to relatives, she said the gunshot left her ears ringing. She allegedly confronted her brother, who claimed the shot had gone off accidentally in anger and warned her not to disclose the incident.
Other family members sleeping on different floors later told investigators they heard nothing, a detail that remains under examination.
MEAL BESIDE FATHER’S BODY
In one of the most shocking revelations of the investigation, police sources claim that after the murder, Akshat and his sister Kriti allegedly sat inside the house and consumed food while the body remained in the room.
Investigators say that even as the corpse lay inside the residence, normalcy was allegedly projected outside. Daily routines continued, and there was no visible sign of panic. According to sources, Kriti continued to appear for her examinations during this period.
BLINKIT KNIVES BEFORE MURDER
What followed, investigators say, marked a disturbing escalation. Police sources claim that a day before the murder, two knives had been ordered online. A saw and a blue plastic drum were allegedly purchased from a local market.
DISMEMBERMENT AND DISPOSAL
When the body could not fit inside the blue drum, Akshat allegedly severed his father’s hands, legs and head using the knives and saw. The torso was placed inside the blue drum, while other body parts were reportedly disposed of at separate locations to avoid suspicion. The licenced rifle used in the shooting was allegedly buried. Some remains were transported in the boot of a car and disposed of nearly 21 kilometres away, according to investigators.
DESTROYING FORENSIC TRACES
Investigators said the gunshot caused heavy bleeding, staining bedding and splattering blood across parts of the room. Blood-soaked blankets, bedsheets and pillows were allegedly packed into sacks and later burnt near the Sadaruna canal bank. Partially burnt remains have since been recovered and sent for forensic testing.
Police also found that portions of the walls had been freshly painted. They believe repainting was done to conceal blood splatter as part of a broader clean-up operation inside the house.
THE ‘PAPA LAUT AAO’ DRAMA
After the murder, a missing person complaint was filed on February 21. Akshat allegedly told police that his father had gone to Delhi and was unreachable.
Investigators later discovered a WhatsApp group titled “Papa Laut Aao”, created by the accused. Emotional messages were posted in the group, urging his father to return home. Police suspect this may have been an attempt to deflect suspicion while he joined friends in a public search effort.
‘HAPPENED BY MISTAKE’ EXCUSE
The accused, 21-year-old Akshat Pratap Singh, has now publicly claimed the killing happened by mistake even as investigators probe what they describe as multiple layers of preparation and post-crime concealment.
MANVENDRA’S SISTER JUNKS NEET MOTIVE
Manvendra’s sister, Sarla Singh, has strongly contested the claim that NEET pressure alone triggered the murder. According to her, her brother had assured Akshat that he would support him in every possible way, even getting him admitted to the most expensive colleges if required. Sarla said the family never imagined that such deep resentment had been building inside him.
SISTER’S ROLE UNDER SCRUTINY
Police have also examined the role of Akshat’s sister, who was allegedly present at the time of the shooting but did not inform authorities for nearly 24 hours. Her statement was recorded after sustained questioning.
Investigators are now probing whether her silence stemmed purely from fear or whether she had any prior knowledge of events surrounding the crime.
With forensic analysis of burnt material underway, digital records being examined and reconstruction of the crime scene completed, investigators say the case has moved beyond the question of who fired the shot to how the aftermath unfolded.
– Ends
Published By:
Akshat Trivedi
Published On:
Feb 25, 2026
