Two minors detained for killing 13-year-old boy in Khagaria

Patna: Police in Khagaria district on Saturday cracked the murder case of 13-year-old Himanshu Kumar and revealed that his two close friends, aged 14 and 15, were behind the brutal killing. The duo, studying in classes VIII and IX, confessed to the crime, stating they wanted to avenge a theft case in which Himanshu had revealed their names.

According to police, Himanshu was called away from his home on the evening of March 19 and his body was found the following night in a maize field. The investigation revealed that the accused took him to the field on the pretext of making a reel and killed him with a knife. The incident occurred in the Beldaur police station area.

Police said that on the evening of March 19, Himanshu was playing outside his house after returning from school when he suddenly went missing. When he did not return home till late night, his mother Anuja Devi lodged a kidnapping complaint at Beldaur police station.

On the night of March 20, Himanshu’s body was recovered from Maheshlakkha Bahiyar, located to the north of the village. Injury marks were found on the body.

Gogri SDPO Sakshi Kumari said, “About 10 days ago, a theft took place in a house in the locality, in which Himanshu was involved along with his 2 friends. During the incident, Himanshu was caught and he revealed the names of both his accomplices. After this, a panchayat was held in the village, in which the stolen goods were recovered.”

During interrogation, both minors revealed that they lured Himanshu to a corn field on the pretext of making a reel. All three minors frequently watched videos on social media and tried to create similar content. Taking advantage of this habit, the accused trapped him.

After reaching the field, they first tied his hands as if in jest, but within a short while the situation turned serious. When Himanshu tried to free himself, both of them stabbed him to death with a knife.

“Based on their identification, the knife used in the incident, a silver disc, and a bangle were recovered. The accused have confessed to their crime,” the SDPO added.