Brother Behind School Executive's Contract Killing? Shimla Murder Probe Takes Shocking Turn

Seventeen days after the murder of 41-year-old school executive Manisha Mittal in Shimla, police have arrested her younger brother and an alleged accomplice for allegedly conspiring to have her killed over a property dispute.

The prime accused has been identified as Himank Mittal (31), chairman of Saraswati Paradise International Public School in Sanjauli and the victim's younger brother. The second accused, Gobind, was arrested after returning from Thailand, where he had reportedly travelled two days before the murder.

According to Shimla Police, two alleged shooters from Haryana, Ashish Ahlawat (22) and Deepak Budhwal (25), were arrested on June 16 and remain in police custody.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mehar Panwar said the investigation revealed that the murder stemmed from a dispute over the management and ownership of Saraswati Paradise International Public School in Shimla and another school in Rohtak, Haryana.

Police said Manisha allegedly attempted to register a new society for the school in her name, while the existing society was registered under Himank Mittal's name. Investigators are also examining a financial dispute involving an ₹8-crore fixed deposit, which allegedly intensified the family conflict after their father's death.

According to police, Himank allegedly transferred ₹8.5 lakh to Gobind days before the murder. Investigators further alleged that Gobind paid the two shooters ₹70,000, including ₹50,000 in cash and ₹20,000 through a bank transfer.

Manisha Mittal was shot dead outside the entrance of Saraswati Paradise International Public School in Sanjauli on June 13.

Police said Himank, who is currently hospitalised with injuries sustained in a separate attack in Rohtak on June 1, will be brought to Shimla for further questioning once he is declared medically fit.

Before his arrest, Himank had denied any involvement in the murder, claiming he had not been on speaking terms with his sister for a long time.

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