An emotional moment unfolded inside a police station in Lucknow after 21-year-old Akshat Pratap Singh, accused of shooting dead his father, requested to meet his younger sister, Kriti Singh, shortly after his arrest. According to police officials, the meeting took place just before he was remanded to judicial custody. Witnesses said he hugged his sister tightly and cried uncontrollably.

Sources revealed that Akshat briefly asked officers for access to his mobile phone to transfer money to his sister’s bank account. He reportedly instructed police to pay Rs 6,000 from his Rs 22,000 balance to a pathology clerk and hand over the remaining amount to Kriti, citing her medical condition. Investigators are examining these financial transactions as part of the ongoing probe.

Authorities noted a visible change in his behaviour inside jail. He appeared withdrawn, sat silently in his cell, and was heard murmuring at times. Jail officials said he cried intermittently through the night and was later admitted to the prison hospital for observation due to his fragile mental state.

The incident occurred in the early hours of February 20 at the family’s residence in Ashiana Sector-L, Lucknow. Police allege that Akshat and his father, businessman Manvendra Singh, had consumed alcohol before a heated argument escalated. Investigators claim Akshat used a licensed rifle to shoot his father.

According to police, he later attempted to hide the body in a drum and allegedly dismembered it when it did not fit. He also reportedly joined search efforts and created a WhatsApp group seeking information about his missing father — actions investigators suspect were intended to divert suspicion.

During questioning, Akshat claimed he acted in self-defence, alleging that his father assaulted him first. Police said this claim is being verified. Speaking briefly to reporters, he described the incident as a mistake and denied any involvement of his sister.

Investigators continue to analyse forensic, digital, and financial evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events.