Kanpur court frees Shalu Minocha, husband held for murder plot

Shalu Minocha walked out of jail in Kanpur on Monday after a court accepted the police closure report giving her a clean chit in the murder of her father-in-law, pharmaceutical trader Vineet Minocha. The chief judicial magistrate ordered her release on a personal bond of Rs 50,000, with the condition that she appear when required. Hindustan Times reports that her lawyer brother, Dheeraj Arora, said the family was relieved the truth had emerged and thanked the police. Rediff, citing a police official, notes that Shalu was initially arrested based on a co-accused's statement but a detailed investigation found no evidence linking her to the crime.

Vineet Minocha was stabbed 17 times at his Ratan Orbit flat on September 5. Police arrested his son, Subrat Minocha, alleging he masterminded the murder through former employee Vishal Gautam and associate Rajkishore. According to police, Subrat instructed Vishal to name Shalu if caught. Shalu, who had denied any role, will go to her parental home in Lucknow where her son is staying. The three accused remain in jail.