Udupi: Police have arrested two youths in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a minor boy from the Brahmavar bus stand and taking him to Kerala, where he was allegedly forced into labour and physically assaulted. The two accused have been produced before a court, while a third accused, who is a juvenile, has been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board. Further investigation is underway.

Two accused arrested

The arrested accused have been identified as Vikhyat Acharya (19) of Salikeri in Waramballi village and Suchith Nayak (20) of Matapadi village.

According to police, the duo allegedly abducted the minor boy from near the Brahmavar bus stand at around 8.30 am on June 1.

They allegedly took the boy to Kunjathur Padavu in Kerala’s Kasaragod district.

Minor allegedly forced into labour

Police said the accused allegedly forced the minor to work at a wood company after taking him to Kerala.

When the boy repeatedly expressed his desire to return home, Suchith Nayak allegedly assaulted him in the room where they were staying on June 9.

The complaint further alleged that Vikhyat Acharya threatened the minor with a knife, verbally abused him and issued death threats.

Third accused is a juvenile

The victim’s father, who lodged the complaint at the Brahmavar Police Station, also alleged that a third accused recorded the incident on a mobile phone.

Police said the third accused is a juvenile and has been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board in accordance with legal procedures.

The victim is the son of a resident of Matapadi village in Brahmavar and is a Class 9 student at the Government High School in Brahmavar.

Investigation underway

Based on the complaint, the Brahmavar Police Station registered a case and launched an investigation.

The two arrested accused have been produced before the court, while further investigation is continuing to ascertain all the circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping, forced labour and assault.

Police said additional legal action will be taken based on the progress of the investigation.