Mother's Lover Arrested for Heinous Kidnapping and Murder of One-Year-Old Child in Panchkula
In a shocking and tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, the Panchkula police have made a significant breakthrough by arresting the prime suspect in the kidnapping and murder case of a one-year-old child. The arrest was made on Sunday, January 25, 2026, bringing a grim resolution to a case that has highlighted the darkest aspects of human behavior.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest and Recovery
The accused, identified as Ajay Rana, a resident of Pinjore and an auto-rickshaw driver by profession, was apprehended by a dedicated team from the Anti-Narcotics Cell. This team was led by the diligent Inspector Praveen Malik, whose efforts were crucial in tracking down the perpetrator. Following his arrest, the police acted swiftly on the information provided by Rana during his disclosure.
The child's body was recovered from a concealed location under a culvert near the Sukhomajri bypass. It was found stuffed inside a plastic sack, a detail that adds to the horror of the crime. The recovery operation was conducted with precision, ensuring that all evidence was preserved for the ongoing investigation.
Details of the Kidnapping and Murder
The sequence of events began on the morning of January 24, when a woman named Laxmi, a resident of Dera Bassi, dropped her one-year-old son, Riyans, at a creche located in Sector 12-A of Panchkula. Shortly after, a man arrived at the creche, falsely claiming to be the child's father, and successfully took the infant away. When Laxmi was informed about this suspicious activity, she immediately alerted the authorities, prompting a rapid response from the police.
A kidnapping case was promptly registered at the Sector 14 police station, leading to the mobilization of multiple crime teams. Through meticulous analysis of CCTV footage, the suspect was identified as Ajay Rana. Further investigation revealed a disturbing connection: Rana was in a romantic relationship with the child's mother, Laxmi. This revelation added a complex layer to the case, shifting the focus from a random abduction to a premeditated crime driven by personal motives.
Confession and Motive Behind the Crime
Initially, Ajay Rana attempted to mislead the police with false information. However, during sustained and intensive interrogation, he eventually broke down and confessed to the heinous act. According to police statements, Rana disclosed that he had met Laxmi through the social media platform Instagram. Their relationship developed over time, but it was marred by a growing resentment towards the child.
Rana claimed that the infant's frequent crying during their meetings irritated him profoundly. This irritation gradually transformed into deep-seated animosity, leading him to devise a plan to eliminate the child from his life. On the fateful day of the incident, Rana executed his plan by picking up the child from the creche, transporting him in his auto-rickshaw, and then strangling him using a cleaning cloth. After committing the murder, he callously placed the body in a plastic sack and discarded it from a culvert near Rampur Siudi village along the Sukhomajri bypass.
Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings
DCP (Crime and Traffic) Manpreet Singh Sudan confirmed that the auto-rickshaw used in the crime has been recovered, which is a crucial piece of evidence in building a strong case against the accused. Following his arrest, Ajay Rana was produced before a court, which granted a four-day police remand to facilitate further investigation.
During this remand period, the police will delve deeper into the conspiracy, examining whether any other individuals were involved in planning or executing the crime. Additionally, the post-mortem examination of the child's body is being conducted at the Civil Hospital in Sector 6, Panchkula, to determine the exact cause of death and gather forensic evidence.
Official Condemnation and Commitment to Justice
Reacting to the horrific incident, Panchkula Police Commissioner (ADGP) Shibash Kabiraj expressed profound condemnation, describing the crime as "an act that shames humanity." He praised the swift action of the police team in arresting the accused but emphasized that the efforts will not stop there.
Commissioner Kabiraj has directed the investigating team to ensure a watertight case, aiming for the harshest possible punishment for the accused. This commitment underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating this case, reflecting a broader societal demand for justice in the face of such a brutal crime.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow in Panchkula and beyond, raising important questions about child safety and the complexities of personal relationships. As the investigation continues, the community awaits further developments, hoping for closure and justice for the innocent victim.
