Ghaziabad: A shocking murder case has emerged from Ghaziabad, where a 14-year-old boy, identified as Lakshya, was strangled to death by his cousin to avoid repayment of money borrowed for cryptocurrency trading. The accused, Yuvraj alias Yash Prajapati, a cabin crew member with a private airline, has been arrested and sent to jail.

Missing complaint leads to probe

Lakshya went missing on the night of September 16, triggering panic in his family. His cousin Yuvraj, who lived nearby, even participated in the frantic search for the boy, attempting to divert suspicion. A missing persons complaint was lodged at Khoda police station, and investigators began examining CCTV footage and mobile phone data.

Chilling murder plot

Police revealed that Yuvraj had lured Lakshya out under the pretext of watching a movie. The two went to a theatre in Preet Vihar, Delhi, where Yuvraj allegedly strangled the teenager before crushing his body with bricks. Disturbingly, after committing the crime, he proceeded to V3S Mall, watched a movie, and returned home as though nothing had happened.

Motive linked to cryptocurrency debt

According to investigators, Yuvraj had borrowed around ₹3 lakh from his uncle, Manbir, which he invested in cryptocurrency. Though he had initially made profits, he panicked when his uncle demanded a partial repayment of ₹50,000. To escape this obligation, police said, Yuvraj plotted to kill his cousin Lakshya.

Indirapuram ACP Abhishek Srivastava confirmed Yuvraj’s confession, adding that the case highlights how financial desperation linked to speculative investments can drive extreme acts.

Arrest and confession

CCTV evidence, mobile tracking, and an informant’s tip led police to identify Yuvraj as the last person seen with Lakshya. He was subsequently detained and confessed during interrogation. He has since been remanded to judicial custody.

Community in shock

The gruesome nature of the crime has left Ghaziabad residents shaken. The victim’s family, devastated by the loss of their child, has demanded the strictest possible punishment for the accused.

Police are also investigating whether Yuvraj had any accomplices or outstanding financial liabilities from his cryptocurrency trading activities.