MEERUT: A seven-year-old boy who had gone missing from Uttar Pradesh's Meerut district was found dead, and a man known to the child's mother has been arrested in connection with the murder, police said on Wednesday.
According to Superintendent of Police (Rural) Abhijeet Kumar, the boy was reported missing from the Bahsuma police station area on Tuesday, according to news agency PTI. Following the complaint, four police teams were formed to trace the child.
During the investigation, police detained a man identified as Arpit Sharma. During questioning, he allegedly confessed to the crime, after which the child's body was recovered from a field based on information provided by him, the officer said.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused was allegedly in a relationship with the boy's mother and that the child had become aware of it, police said. Officials said the accused had taken the child from his house before allegedly killing him. Police added that no evidence of kidnapping has surfaced so far during the investigation.
Investigators are examining the accused's mobile phone and gathering other evidence to establish the motive and sequence of events. Legal proceedings are underway at the Bahsuma police station, officials said.
Background of the Case
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community. The boy, whose identity has not been disclosed, went missing on Tuesday evening. His family filed a missing person complaint at the Bahsuma police station, prompting immediate action by law enforcement.
Police teams scoured the area and questioned neighbors and family members. Their focus soon turned to Arpit Sharma, a man known to the child's mother. Under sustained interrogation, Sharma broke down and confessed to the crime, leading police to the field where the body was hidden.
Motive Under Investigation
Authorities believe the motive may be linked to the alleged relationship between the accused and the boy's mother. The child reportedly discovered the affair, which could have triggered the violent act. However, police are still piecing together the exact sequence of events.
Forensic teams have collected evidence from the crime scene, and the accused's mobile phone is being analyzed for messages or call logs that may shed light on the planning of the murder. No ransom demand or other kidnapping indicators have been found.
Legal Proceedings
Arpit Sharma has been booked for murder under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. He is currently in police custody and will be produced before a local court. The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure justice for the victim.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers children can face even from those known to the family. Meerut police have urged parents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
