LUCKNOW The police investigation into the Gomti Nagar double murder-suicide has shifted focus towards tracing the illicit supply chain of three firearms recovered from the residence of bank officer Manas Bajpai. A Sitapur-based lawyer has emerged as a key lead in the suspected weapon trail.
Given that Bajpai had no prior criminal record, his ability to procure three firearms within a brief window has raised significant red flags for cops. The lawyer is likely to be questioned soon as police seek to determine the exact nature of his association with Bajpai and whether he had any role in procuring/facilitating the weapons. The three weapons recovered by police have become crucial evidence in determining how the killings were planned and executed.
Police are examining whether he had any earlier links with arms suppliers or whether the weapons were arranged specifically after the August 18 family court hearing.
Police sources said Bajpai was in contact with a lawyer from Sitapur, and investigators suspect the lawyer may have helped him establish contact with persons involved in arranging firearms. The Sitapur-based lawyer’s name surfaced during the investigation after officers examined Bajpai’s contacts and interactions, according to police sources.
Police are also likely to examine call detail records and digital evidence to establish whether there was communication between Bajpai and the lawyer immediately before the suspected procurement of the weapons. Police on Thursday recovered two pistols and a country-made firearm from his house and are now trying to establish how the banker gained access to the weapons.
Officials have not yet concluded that the lawyer supplied or arranged the firearms. His possible involvement remains a line of investigation, and his questioning is expected to clarify whether he had any direct or indirect role in the weapon trail.
