UP blue drum murder accused hugged sister, cried just before being sent to jail

An emotional request inside a police station has added a poignant layer to one of Lucknow’s most disturbing crimes when, shortly after his arrest for allegedly shooting dead his father in a drunken altercation, 21-year-old Akshat Pratap Singh asked to meet his younger sister, Kriti Singh. When she arrived, he broke down, hugging her tightly and crying uncontrollably before being taken into custody.

Police officials said the meeting took place just before Akshat was sent to judicial custody.

Witnesses described him as visibly shaken and remorseful. According to sources, he briefly asked for his mobile phone to transfer money to Kriti’s bank account.

He instructed officers to pay Rs 6,000 from his Rs 22,000 balance to a pathology clerk and leave the remaining amount with his sister, citing her illness.

Investigators are examining these transactions as part of the ongoing probe.

Inside the jail, authorities observed a sharp change in his demeanour. He appeared withdrawn, sat leaning against a wall in his cell, and at times murmured indistinctly.

Jail officials said he cried intermittently through the night and was placed under close watch.

He was later admitted to the jail hospital for observation due to his fragile mental state.

The fatal shooting took place in the early hours of February 20 at the family’s home in Ashiana Sector-L.

Police said the father and son had consumed alcohol before an argument escalated.

Investigators allege Akshat used a licenced rifle to shoot his father, businessman Manvendra Singh.

The case turned grisly when, according to police, Akshat attempted to conceal the body in a blue drum and later dismembered it when it would not fit.

He subsequently joined search efforts and created a WhatsApp group appealing for information about his father, actions investigators suspect were meant to deflect suspicion.

During interrogation, Akshat claimed he acted in self-defence. "During interrogation, he stated that his father beat him first, and then shot him," a police official said, adding that the claim is being verified.

Speaking briefly to reporters, he said, "Galti se hogaya (It happened by mistake)," while denying any role of his sister in the incident.

Manvendra’s sister, Sarla Singh, dismissed claims that academic pressure alone led to the crime.

Police are continuing to analyse forensic, digital and financial evidence to piece together the full sequence of events.

- Ends