In a horrifying turn of events in Chitrakoot district, Uttar Pradesh, a 12-year-old boy, Ayush Kesarwani, was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by his next-door neighbours, police confirmed on Friday.

The accused, Kallu alias Sahibey and Irfan Ansari, reportedly abducted Ayush around 6 pm on Thursday while he was playing outside his home. By 8 pm, they had made a ransom call to the family, demanding Rs 40 lakh. When the family failed to meet the demand, the accused allegedly killed Ayush and buried his body inside the bathroom of their home.

The boy, a Class VIII student, was the youngest son of businessman Ashok Kesarwani, who runs a cloth shop in Bargarh. His grandfather, Ramesh Chandra Kesarwani, 63, said, “There was no dispute or enmity between us. My grandson went to their house on his own because he knew them so well. It was greed for money that drove the accused to kidnap and kill him.”

Trust Betrayed by Neighbours

He added, “They were treated like close relatives. We stood by them in their business and family problems and helped them whenever they needed it. Recently, we even gave money to one of the accused for his marriage and his sister’s wedding.”

The accused, originally from Prayagraj, had been running a box-making business in Chitrakoot for eight years and were former tenants of the Kesarwani family. Police said they exploited their prior relationship with the family to lure Ayush.

Early on Friday, police arrested the duo. While being taken to the spot where they claimed to have buried Ayush, one of the accused allegedly snatched a gun from an officer and fired. In response, police shot and killed Kallu, while Irfan sustained bullet injuries and was shifted to Prayagraj for treatment.

Police Kill Kidnapper During Operation

Chitrakoot SP Arun Kumar Singh said, “Surveillance teams determined the perpetrator was a former tenant. The accused opened fire in the ensuing exchange of fire. Both were injured. A doctor declared Kallu dead at the scene. Irfan has been referred to Prayagraj for further treatment.”

The discovery of Ayush’s body triggered outrage among locals. Crowds gathered at his home, demanding justice, while senior police officials, including SP Satyapal Singh, rushed to manage the situation.

Police have registered a case and intensified the investigation, while security across the district has been increased to prevent further incidents.