Shimla
In a major breakthrough in the sensational murder of Saraswati Paradise School director Manisha Mittal, Shimla Police on Monday arrested the victim’s brother, Himank Mittal, and his business partner, Govind, alleging that they masterminded the murder over a property dispute.
According to the police, the investigation revealed that Manisha Mittal had been embroiled in a long-standing property dispute with her brother Himank Mittal and his business partner Govind. Police alleged that Himank hatched the conspiracy and, along with Govind, hired two shooters to execute the murder.
Addressing the media, ASP Shimla Mehar Panwar said Himank had transferred ₹8.30 lakh to Govind’s bank account a few days before the incident. Investigators also found that Himank had access to the CCTV system of Saraswati Paradise School, enabling him to monitor Manisha Mittal’s movements before the attack.
Police further alleged that Govind arranged the Swift car used in the crime by renting it and handing it over to the shooters. He also allegedly transferred money to one of the shooters, Deepak.
Following the murder, Govind went into hiding and reportedly fled abroad to evade arrest. Even after returning to India, he allegedly kept his mobile phone switched off and continued changing locations. Acting on technical surveillance and intelligence inputs, police arrested Govind from Rohtak, Haryana, on June 28. A local court granted his four-day police remand.
Himank Mittal was arrested from Rohtak a day later, on June 29.
ASP Mehar Panwar said the case was cracked through technical evidence and sustained investigation. With the arrest of Himank and Govind, all four accused in the murder case have now been taken into custody. Further investigation is underway.
