Lucknow blue drum murder: Man eyed father's pathology, liquor businesses
India Today
The father, a successful businessman with labs and liquor shops, wanted his son to be a doctor, but the son aimed to take over the family business, leading to tragedy.
The motive behind the murder of a 50-year-old businessman in Lucknow by his 21-year-old son is more complex than it initially appeared. At first, the son claimed that he killed his father, subsequently dismembered the body, and dumped the parts inside a drum after being repeatedly pressured to prepare for the NEET competitive exam. However, upon deeper investigation and interrogation, a family conflict angle emerged, suggesting that the son was also eyeing his father’s business empire.
On one hand was the father, a successful businessman who owned four pathology labs and three liquor shops. On the other was the son, whom the family expected to become a doctor, but who considered himself ready to take over the family business. This clash ultimately culminated in the night that shattered the entire family.
Originally from Jalaun district, Manvendra Singh established his business in Lucknow. With a network of pathology labs and licensed liquor shops, the family was considered financially well-off.
After his wife’s death, Manvendra’s world revolved around his son Akshat and daughter Kriti. Family members said Manvendra’s greatest wish was for his son to become a doctor. Akshat completed his 12th grade from the prestigious La Martiniere School and then joined a coaching institute to prepare for NEET, attempting the exam twice without success. Close sources say this is where the tension between father and son began.
Investigations revealed that Akshat was inclined toward the family business. He showed interest in the pathology labs and shops. A family member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Akshat believed the business was already established and that becoming a doctor would take years; he wanted to take charge immediately.
Manvendra, however, believed that while the business would continue, professional credentials were more important first. This disagreement gradually escalated from debates to open conflict.
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