Bengaluru: A 13-year-old boy was allegedly kidnapped and killed by his neighbour in Bengaluru, with the crime coming to light after the accused’s car was involved in multiple collisions while he was allegedly trying to flee the city. Police have arrested the neighbour, while another alleged accomplice is reportedly absconding.

The victim, identified as M Prajwal, a Class VIII student and resident of Vinayaka Nagar, was allegedly lured into a car on the pretext of going to buy firecrackers for Ganesh idol immersion. Police said the accused, identified as Bhaskar Reddy, knew the boy and took advantage of his familiarity with him.

The case came to light on Wednesday night after Reddy’s vehicle met with accidents near the Kempegowda International Airport Road in Chikkajala. Members of the public stopped the vehicle and alerted police. When officers checked the car, they allegedly found Prajwal’s body inside the boot.

Boy allegedly lured with promise of buying firecrackers

According to the police investigation, Prajwal was taken from near his home at around 7.30 pm on Wednesday.

Police said the boy was familiar with Reddy and therefore did not suspect anything when he was asked to accompany him. Reddy allegedly told him that they would buy firecrackers for Ganesh idol immersion. Reports also said the accused knew of the boy’s interest in cars and used it to gain his trust.

The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the motive behind the alleged crime.

According to The New Indian Express, Reddy allegedly assaulted Prajwal inside the car and made him record a video that was sent to his father, Manohar, a financier and realtor. The accused allegedly threatened to kill the boy if a ransom was not paid.

Boy’s father alerted police after he went missing

Prajwal’s family became concerned after he failed to return home.

According to reports, the family initially believed that the boy could have been participating in Ganesh festivities. However, after learning that he had gone with Reddy, they began searching for him.

Prajwal’s father subsequently approached the Yelahanka police and reported his son missing. In a striking development, reports said Reddy’s father also joined the search for Prajwal, apparently unaware of his son’s alleged involvement in the disappearance.

Police later connected the missing-boy complaint with the unidentified body recovered from Reddy’s vehicle.

Car crashes expose alleged crime

The alleged kidnapping and murder came to light after Reddy attempted to leave Bengaluru in the car.

Police said the vehicle was involved in multiple collisions on the service road near Chikkajala. Reports said it first hit an electric pole and later collided with other vehicles near an apartment complex. The crashes attracted the attention of residents and security personnel, who stopped the driver.

Police officers who arrived at the scene reportedly became suspicious of Reddy’s behaviour and checked the vehicle.

They allegedly found Prajwal’s body inside the boot.

The discovery led to further questioning of Reddy and the registration of a case in connection with the boy’s death.

Police suspect ransom motive

Investigators are examining whether the alleged murder was committed for ransom or whether there was another motive.

According to The New Indian Express, police said Reddy had allegedly planned to demand money from Prajwal’s family. Another report cited police as saying that Reddy’s family was burdened with substantial debt and that he allegedly intended to raise money through the ransom demand.

However, police have not yet established that the alleged ransom plan was the only motive.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North East division) G.K. Mithun Kumar said investigators were examining other possible reasons why Prajwal was targeted. Police also said there was no known enmity or business rivalry between the two families.

Another accused reportedly on the run

Police have identified another person, Edukondalu, as an alleged accomplice in the crime.

According to investigators, Edukondalu is suspected of being involved in the killing but reportedly fled after the incident. Police teams are searching for him.

The New Indian Express reported that police believe another person was involved and that efforts were underway to arrest the individual.

Investigation continues

Police are continuing to question Reddy to establish the complete sequence of events leading to Prajwal’s death.

Reports have contained differing details about the precise manner in which the boy was killed. Police sources cited by different publications have described assault with a brick or other blunt objects, while another report said the boy was strangled. These details remain part of the investigation and have not been independently established.

Police are also investigating the alleged ransom demand, the role of the suspected accomplice and the circumstances in which Prajwal was taken from his neighbourhood.

The case has shocked residents of the Yelahanka area, particularly because the accused was reportedly known to the victim and was able to persuade the boy to enter his vehicle.