School administrator’s brother, business partner held for Shimla contract killing

Police have arrested Himank Mittal, the brother of a school administrator, and his business partner for the June 13 killing of his sister Manisha in Shimla. The arrests came after investigators determined that a property dispute appears to have motivated the murder.

According to the police, Mittal began watching his sister’s movements by reviewing footage from CCTV cameras placed around her home after the two fell out over a piece of land. The surveillance gave him a clear picture of when she was alone and when she left the house, which he used to plan the attack.

He then allegedly enlisted a local associate from Rohtak, who in turn arranged for two hitmen to carry out the killing. The contract killing was executed on June 13, and the victim’s body was discovered shortly thereafter, prompting an immediate police response.

The joint investigation traced financial transactions and mobile communications linked to the hired assassins. Within days, Mittal and his business partner were taken into custody and are now being questioned by the investigating officers.

While the exact details of the property disagreement have not been disclosed, officials say the disagreement over the land served as the catalyst for the plot. The case underscores how personal grudges, combined with modern surveillance tools and external criminal connections, can lead to violent outcomes.

Contract killings are rare in the region, and this incident adds to a series of recent cases that have raised concern among residents about safety and the growing influence of organized crime in everyday disputes.

Police have said the investigation will continue, with the evidence gathered so far being examined in court as the case moves forward. The focus remains on ensuring that those responsible for Manisha’s death are held accountable.

Under Indian law, the offence of contract killing is punishable under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with murder and may attract additional penalties for conspiracy and pre‑planning. The police are therefore treating the case as a murder investigation with possible charges of conspiracy.

The incident has sparked discussions about safety and the need for stricter monitoring of domestic disputes, especially when family members are involved in planning violent acts. The police are asking any witnesses with additional information to come forward.

This incident adds to a series of recent contract killings in the region, raising concerns among residents about safety and the growing influence of organized crime in everyday disputes.

Source: Hindustan Times