NATIONAL: Decade-Old Grudge Fuels Brutal Murder in Lucknow
Incident Overview
In a chilling act of vengeance in Lucknow, Anup, alias Sonu Kashyap, orchestrated the murder of Manoj Kumar, a coconut vendor, over a decade-old grievance. The brutal killing, captured on CCTV, stemmed from an assault on Sonu’s mother in 2015, fueling a relentless pursuit that culminated in tragedy.
Motive Rooted in Past Conflict
Approximately ten years ago, Manoj Kumar allegedly assaulted Sonu’s mother during a neighborhood dispute, subsequently fleeing the area. Sonu, then a child, harbored a deep grudge, vowing retribution and spending years tracking Manoj’s whereabouts in Lucknow.
Meticulous Planning and Execution
Three months ago, Sonu located Manoj in the Munshi Pulia area and devised a calculated plan. Enlisting friends Ranjit Kumar, Adil, Salamu, and Rehmat Ali with the promise of a lavish party, the group ambushed Manoj on May 22, 2025, attacking him with iron rods until he collapsed.
Fatal Outcome and Celebration
Manoj, critically injured, was rushed to a hospital by locals but succumbed to his injuries. Following the murder, Sonu and his accomplices celebrated with an alcohol-fueled party, posting incriminating photos on social media that later aided police in their investigation.
Police Investigation and Arrests
A breakthrough came when police identified one suspect wearing a distinctive orange T-shirt in both CCTV footage and social media posts. This led to the swift arrest of Sonu, Ranjit, Adil, Salamu, and Rehmat Ali on July 20, 2025, with the murder weapon and a motorcycle also recovered.
Legal and Social Implications
Sonu confessed to the crime, citing the 2015 assault as his motive, which was registered as a non-cognizable case at the time. The case underscores the devastating consequences of unresolved vendettas, with authorities now probing the psychological and social factors behind such prolonged retribution.