In a disturbing case from Lucknow’s Ashiana locality, 19-year-old Akshat Pratap Singh allegedly shot dead his father, Manvendra Pratap Singh (49), dismembered the body, and stored parts in a blue drum inside their home before attempting to dispose of them at different locations, police said.

The crime reportedly occurred on 20 February 2026 following repeated disputes over academic expectations, particularly pressure to prepare for the NEET medical entrance examination. Investigators have also cited additional tensions linked to an alleged jewellery theft that had strained relations within the family.

The accused was arrested on 23 February after neighbours complained of a foul smell emanating from the house, prompting a police search. Officials have registered a case of murder and destruction of evidence, and forensic teams are continuing to gather proof while questioning the accused to establish the full sequence of events.

Gruesome Discovery After Neighbours Raise Alarm

The shocking incident came to light when residents in the Ashiana area of Lucknow alerted authorities about a strong foul smell coming from the Singh residence. Acting on the complaint, police arrived at the house and discovered a blue drum containing the torso of Manvendra Pratap Singh. Subsequent searches led to the recovery of additional body parts from different locations on the outskirts of the city.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vikrant Vir told reporters that the accused had initially attempted to mislead investigators by filing a missing person’s complaint for his father. “During questioning, his statements were inconsistent. Upon sustained interrogation, he confessed to the crime,” the officer said. According to police, Akshat allegedly used a licensed firearm belonging to the family to shoot his father during an argument at their home.

Investigators revealed that after the shooting, the accused dragged the body from an upper floor to the ground level, where he dismembered it in an attempt to conceal the crime. Forensic teams have collected blood samples, examined the weapon used, and are analysing CCTV footage from nearby areas to determine how and where the body parts were disposed of. Authorities also stated that a vehicle believed to have been used in transporting the remains is being examined for evidence.

The brutality of the act has stunned local residents, many of whom described the family as private and not known for public disputes. Police officials have confirmed that the accused remains in custody and is being further questioned to clarify his motive and mental condition at the time of the crime.

Academic Pressure, Family Tensions and Emerging Motives

Initial reports indicated that the alleged trigger for the murder was persistent pressure from the father for Akshat to focus on competitive examinations, particularly NEET. Police sources stated that Manvendra Pratap Singh had been urging his son to prepare seriously for a career in medicine, despite the young man reportedly pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the time.

During interrogation, Akshat allegedly told police that repeated arguments over studies and future prospects led to mounting resentment. However, investigators have cautioned that academic pressure may not have been the sole cause. According to officials, there were prior tensions within the household, including a dispute over missing jewellery that Manvendra had reportedly confronted his son about months earlier. Police are probing whether this incident intensified mistrust and monitoring within the family, contributing to a breakdown in communication.

Reports also suggest that the accused’s younger sister, a school student, may have been present in the house at the time of the incident. Authorities are carefully recording her statement while ensuring her protection and emotional wellbeing.

Forensic and ballistic analyses are underway to confirm the sequence of events and the weapon used. Police have emphasised that while the accused has reportedly confessed, they are relying on scientific evidence to build a watertight case. “We are reconstructing the timeline and examining all angles, including psychological aspects,” a senior officer said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.

The case has drawn comparisons to a recent “blue drum” murder in Meerut, heightening public anxiety about violent crimes within domestic spaces. However, officials have stated that there is no known connection between the two incidents.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

This heartbreaking incident forces us to confront difficult questions about the pressures simmering within many households. While no grievance can ever justify violence, it is vital to understand the broader social climate in which such tragedies unfold. Across India, competitive examinations often symbolise opportunity, mobility and family honour.

Yet when aspirations turn into relentless pressure without space for dialogue, they can erode trust rather than build resilience. At the same time, it is important not to oversimplify complex crimes by attributing them solely to exam stress. Family conflicts, communication breakdowns, emotional isolation and unresolved disputes may all play a role.

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