The Lucknow bank manager murder case has come under closer scrutiny as investigators examine ballistic evidence, CCTV footage, call records and the alleged source of three firearms recovered during the probe.
LUCKNOW, India — The investigation into the killing of ICICI Bank relationship manager Divya Mishra and the deaths of her husband Manas and his sister Sheeba is focusing on forensic evidence, the movement of Manas after the bank shooting and possible links to the supply of firearms. The probe is also examining the couple’s ongoing marital dispute and claims raised publicly by Divya’s elder sister and senior journalist Pragya Mishra.
Key Highlights
- Police and forensic teams are examining two 9mm pistols, a country-made pistol and recovered cartridge cases.
- Investigators are mapping more than 20 CCTV cameras between the bank and Manas’ home to establish his movements.
- Pragya Mishra has raised more than 25 questions about the investigation and sought an independent or higher-level probe.
Ballistic Tests Could Establish the Source of the Firing
Investigators are conducting ballistic comparisons of the three firearms recovered from the bank and Manas’ home. The examination is intended to determine which weapon was used in the firing that killed Divya, Sheeba and Manas.
Forensic teams have also collected gunshot residue samples from Manas’ hands and clothes. The GSR examination is expected to help investigators establish whether he fired the rounds or whether another person could have been involved.
Police are separately examining the serial numbers of the two 9mm pistols. The investigation is looking into whether the weapons originated from a government armoury or entered the illegal arms trade through a supply network.
CCTV Trail Under Review for 35–45 Minute Gap
According to the supplied investigation details, Manas reached the bank during the afternoon and went towards Divya’s cabin or desk. A brief confrontation was followed by the shooting, after which he left the premises.
Investigators are now matching footage from more than 20 government Smart City and private CCTV cameras along the route between the bank and Manas’ home. The exercise is aimed at establishing where he was during an alleged 35–45 minute gap, given the stated travel distance between the two locations.
Marital Dispute and Divorce Proceedings
Divya and Manas had been involved in a prolonged family dispute surrounding their marriage, and Divya had reportedly been living separately from him. A marital dispute or divorce petition was also pending before the court.
The two sides have presented different accounts of the relationship. Manas’ side has referred to mental stress and conflict, while Divya’s family has alleged that he had displayed aggressive and suspicious behaviour earlier.
Pragya Mishra Questions the Investigation
Pragya Mishra has publicly questioned several aspects of the police investigation through a lengthy post on X. She has alleged that the availability of three firearms raises questions about whether another person, described by her as a possible “mastermind” or “coach”, influenced or assisted Manas.
She has also questioned how a bank employee allegedly regarded by relatives as fearful could obtain two 9mm pistols and a country-made firearm. These are questions raised by the family and have not been established as facts by the investigation.
Questions Over the Possible Third-Person Angle
Pragya Mishra has questioned the circumstances surrounding the deaths of all three people, including whether Manas alone was responsible for the shootings. She has specifically pointed to the reported point-blank nature of the injuries and called for the forensic evidence to clarify the sequence of events.
She has also questioned the significance of a WhatsApp status containing the word “Cheat”, arguing that any marital grievance could have been addressed through the pending legal proceedings. The relevance of the status to the deaths remains part of the questions raised publicly rather than an established investigative finding.
Dispute Over ₹1.5 Crore Alimony Claim
Pragya Mishra has rejected social-media claims that Divya was seeking ₹1.5 crore as alimony, describing the claim as misleading. She has distinguished between alimony and streedhan, while questioning whether there was any interest in Divya’s reported property kept at Manas’ residence.
The source material states that the divorce proceedings had not completed a year at the time under discussion. No final finding regarding the alleged financial motive has been established in the supplied material.
Police Examine Sitapur Link, CDR and Financial Trail
Police are analysing Manas’ mobile phone records, including calls and chats from the previous three months. Investigators are looking for possible contacts with a suspected lawyer in Sitapur or other individuals who may have been connected to the alleged supply of firearms.
A police team has reportedly been sent to Sitapur to examine the activities of suspected intermediaries and Manas’ recent visits. The investigation is also examining bank accounts and UPI transactions to identify possible payments connected with the alleged purchase of illegal weapons.
Weapon Source Remains a Key Investigative Question
Media reports cited in the supplied material have linked a Sitapur-based lawyer to the alleged procurement of weapons through an acquaintance of Manas. However, the material explicitly states that police have not officially confirmed this claim.
Investigators are therefore expected to rely on ballistic results, CCTV timelines, digital records and financial transactions to establish the sequence of events and determine whether any other person was involved. Pragya Mishra has said the case should not be considered resolved until the weapon source, CDR and CCTV trail are fully clarified.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.
