Boy, 17, abducted & assaulted by group over ‘old rivalry’

Bhopal: On his way back from Holi celebrations, a minor boy walking on a road in Kolar was allegedly abducted by a group of youths travelling in a car and on motorcycles, and brutally assaulted at a secluded location. The attackers beat him with sticks and belts, leaving him seriously injured. The teenager sustained severe injuries to his hands and legs and was admitted to a hospital for treatment. Kolar Police on Thursday registered a case on charges of assault against more than half a dozen accused, based on a complaint filed by the injured boy's sister.According to police, the 17-year-old boy works at a garment shop. On March 4 (Holi day), he went out with friends to celebrate the festival. Around 1.30 pm, he was passing near Banskhedi Culvert when more than 6 youths arrived there on 2 to 3 motorcycles and in a car.The accused allegedly confronted him, saying that he was recently acting "over-smart" and was seen with a person with whom they had an old rivalry. They then forcibly pushed the boy into their car and drove him to a deserted spot near Soumya Green Colony, where they assaulted him with sticks and belts, causing serious injuries to his hands, legs and other parts of the body.After beating him, the accused fled the spot, leaving the injured boy there. Later, one of his acquaintances used the victim's mobile phone to inform his family that he was injured. A second call was made shortly afterwards, asking them to reach the Community Health Centre as his condition was serious.The boy's mother, sister and other relatives rushed to the hospital, where the injured teenager told them that he was assaulted. After primary treatment, doctors referred him to Hamidia Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.Kolar SHO Sanjay Soni said police registered a case on charges of assault against the accused Nikki, Akash, Tilak, Divyansh, Nanna, Ajay and Aman, based on the complaint filed by the injured boy's sister.Police said when the boy was first taken to the Kolar hospital, it was initially reported that he was injured after falling from a motorcycle. However, after the family arrived, it emerged that he was beaten up. The boy sustained serious injuries to both legs and his right hand.Police said a search is underway to arrest the accused.