Lucknow: Locked iPhones recovered from the residence of SBI field officer Manas Bajpayee and his wife Divya are being treated as potentially key evidence as police piece together the sequence of events behind the Lucknow triple shooting.Investigators have seized the mobile phones belonging to Manas and Divya, but both devices, the latest versions of iPhones, are reportedly locked, complicating efforts to retrieve data.According to sources, the in-house capability is limited to unlocking an iPhone 15, prompting police to explore other forensic options to access the handsets without damaging evidentiary value.Police believe the phones could clarify the siblings’ communications, movements and state of mind in the days leading up to the incident. Officers are seeking information that may establish who Manas contacted, what arrangements he made, and whether any exchanges indicated escalating conflict or planning.The devices have gained importance because investigators suspect the killings may have been premeditated after the Aug 18 family court hearing in the couple’s divorce case. If accessed, call logs, messages, emails, notes, photos, browser history, app activity and location data could help establish a timeline and test whether a plan was formed or discussed with anyone.Police are also examining whether any digital evidence links to the procurement of the three firearms recovered during the investigation, including searches, payments, messages or contact with potential suppliers. Any data extracted will be cross-verified with CCTV footage, call-detail records, bank records, ballistic and firearm evidence, and statements from relatives, neighbours and witnesses.
