In Lucknow's Ashiana area on February 20, 2026, around 4:30 AM, businessman Manavendra Singh was shot dead by his son Akshat. No one heard the gunshot, and daughter Kriti behaved normally for three days despite seeing the body. Police investigation reveals signs of cover-up, including a WhatsApp group and repainted walls.
In Lucknow's Ashiana area, businessman Manavendra Singh was killed by his son Akshat Pratap Singh on February 20, 2026, around 4:30 AM, according to police. The gunshot occurred inside the house but was not heard by family members or neighbors. Investigators suggest this could be due to the house structure or other factors, with forensic reports expected to clarify.
Manavendra's daughter Kriti, in class 11, saw her father's body after the incident but remained silent and continued her normal routine. She attended exams, studied at a neighbor's house, and interacted with friends without any hints. Police recorded her statement after 40 minutes of questioning and are probing if it was fear or something else. Neighbor Udayveer Singh's family said Kriti visited daily and appeared normal.
Post-murder, Akshat attempted a cover-up. He created a WhatsApp group 'Papa Laut Aao' adding the father's friends and sent emotional messages like 'Papa, where are you, please come back.' The group served not just as an appeal but also to monitor friends' responses. Akshat bought knives via Blinkit, a blue drum, and a saw, and repainted walls to erase blood stains. Location tracking showed he went to Kakori on February 20 to make the last location appear away from home.
Family tensions existed; Manavendra had become strict over his daughter's actions and had not remarried. Police collected forensic samples, conducted postmortem, and ballistic investigation is ongoing. Indications of evidence burning at Sadaruna canal also emerged. Investigators state the cover-up is as crucial as the murder itself.
