Bengaluru: Chikkajala police have arrested a 28-year-old man who allegedly kidnapped and murdered a 13-year-old boy, officials said on Friday.

The accused has been identified as W Bhaskar Reddy, 28, a native of Andhra Pradesh who was born and brought up in Bengaluru. Police said the case came to light after the boy’s parents approached them on Thursday and reported that their son was missing.

According to preliminary investigations, Reddy allegedly kidnapped the minor for money and later murdered him inside his car. Police said the exact circumstances surrounding the boy’s death, as well as the motive, are still being investigated.

Serial accident leads to accused being detained

The investigation took an unexpected turn after Reddy’s car was involved in a serial accident near an apartment complex in Chikkajala on Wednesday evening.

According to police, the car driven by Reddy collided with two other vehicles in the area. Following the accident, local residents caught hold of Reddy and took him to the Chikkajala police station.

During questioning, Reddy allegedly told police that the 13-year-old boy had been involved in an accident with his car and that he was taking the boy’s body.

At that stage, police were not aware of the circumstances surrounding the boy’s disappearance, officials said.

Parents report boy missing

The case took a serious turn on Thursday when the minor’s parents approached Chikkajala police and reported that their son was missing.

Following the missing-person complaint, police began examining the circumstances and Reddy’s statement during questioning. Preliminary investigation subsequently indicated that the boy had allegedly been kidnapped and murdered.

Police are now investigating the sequence of events leading to the boy’s death and the reason for his presence in Reddy’s vehicle.

A senior police officer told Deccan Herald that the kidnapping and murder came to light after the boy’s parents contacted the police.

Money motive under investigation

Preliminary findings suggested that Reddy may have kidnapped the boy for money before allegedly murdering him inside his car.

However, police have not yet established the precise motive.

“The exact method and motive is still under investigation,” another police officer was quoted as saying.

Investigators are expected to examine Reddy’s movements, his interaction with the boy and the circumstances in which the minor was allegedly taken. The police are also investigating whether the initial explanation about the accident was an attempt to conceal what had happened to the boy.

The sequence involving the road accident, Reddy’s detention by local residents and the subsequent missing-person complaint is expected to form an important part of the investigation.

Police continue investigation

Chikkajala police have arrested Reddy in connection with the case, while further investigation is underway to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping and murder.

The police are also expected to gather additional evidence to determine how the boy was allegedly kidnapped, what happened after he was taken and how the minor died.

As the investigation progresses, further details regarding the alleged motive and the exact manner of the crime are awaited.

The case has caused concern in the Chikkajala area, particularly because the alleged kidnapping and murder came to light following an unrelated road accident involving the accused.

Police have not yet disclosed further details about the victim’s identity in order to protect the privacy of the minor.

The allegations against Reddy remain subject to investigation and due legal process.