Kidnapped Jhansi Boy Found Dead in Suitcase, One Kidnapper Killed in Police Encounter
A tragic kidnapping case in Uttar Pradesh has ended with the death of a 13-year-old boy and one of his alleged kidnappers. The incident, which unfolded in Jhansi and Chitrakoot districts, has sparked widespread outrage and protests.
Details of the Kidnapping and Murder
Ayush Kesarwani, a Class 7 student from Jhansi's Bangar area, went missing on Thursday evening. Around 8:30 PM, his father Ashok Kesarwani, a cloth merchant, received a ransom call demanding Rs 40 lakh from an unknown number. The call was made using a stolen cellphone.
Police investigation revealed that the accused, identified as Irfan (28) and Kallu (22), were former tenants of Ashok Kesarwani. The landlord had evicted them in September last year due to their alleged shady behavior. Nursing a grudge, the duo moved to a nearby house and allegedly lured Ayush to their accommodation.
Police Operation and Encounter
Upon receiving the complaint, police personnel from approximately 10 police stations, along with Special Operations Group (SOG) and SWAT teams, launched an intensive search operation. Technical surveillance teams successfully traced the cellphone used for the ransom call before the accused could switch it off or destroy evidence.
After an overnight search, police apprehended the kidnappers early Friday morning. During interrogation, they confessed to murdering Ayush, stuffing his body in a suitcase, and burying it near his residence.
"The accused were taken to a nearby jungle where the stolen cellphone was recovered," said Chitrakoot SP Arun Kumar Singh. "They constantly tried to mislead us about the body's location. During this process, they snatched a police weapon and opened fire. In retaliatory firing, both were injured."
Kallu was declared dead while being taken to the hospital, while Irfan was referred to a higher medical center in Prayagraj for treatment. Police records indicate that Kallu had a previous murder case and two other criminal cases registered against him in the Prayagraj Commissionerate.
Community Outrage and Protests
The brutal crime triggered massive protests in the area, with thousands of angry residents staging a dharna and blocking the national highway for several hours. Protesters raised slogans demanding harsh punishment for the accused, including calls for "bulldozer justice."
The demonstrators presented several demands, including:
- Compensation for the victim's family
- A government job for the deceased boy's kin
- Assurance that protesters would not face charges for blocking the national highway
Senior police and administrative officials reached the protest site and appealed to the agitators to vacate the area, assuring them of proper legal action in the case.
Background of the Accused
Investigations revealed that both accused were originally from Prayagraj but had relocated to the area about a year ago. They operated a shop manufacturing tin boxes and trunks. Their connection to the victim's family through their previous tenancy appears to have been a key factor in the crime.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about child safety and criminal justice in the region, with the community demanding stronger measures to prevent such tragedies and ensure swift justice for victims.
