Crime Investigation – Hardoi Police Crack Child Murder Case Within One Day
Crime Investigation – Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district have solved the shocking murder case of a seven-year-old boy within 24 hours, leading to the death of the main accused during an encounter operation. Authorities said the accused had allegedly sexually assaulted the child before killing him and later attempted to divert the investigation by creating a fake kidnapping angle.
Child Went Missing After Visiting Village Fair
The incident was reported from Matiyamau village, located under the Mallawan police station area in Hardoi district. According to officials, the child had left home on May 1 to attend a local fair but failed to return. His father, Aqeel, approached the police the following day and filed a missing person complaint.
Soon after the complaint was registered, police formed two separate teams to search for the child and investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Search operations continued across nearby areas before the boy’s body was eventually recovered from a maize field situated on the outskirts of the village.
Police completed the required legal procedures before sending the body for post-mortem examination.
Police Probe Revealed Alleged Attempt To Mislead Investigation
During the investigation, officers identified Mehnuddin as the prime suspect in the case. According to police officials, the accused allegedly used a stolen SIM card to contact the victim’s family and demand ransom money after the murder.
Investigators believe the move was made deliberately to make the case appear like a kidnapping for ransom instead of a murder investigation. Officials stated that technical surveillance and local intelligence helped police track the suspect within a short span of time.
Considering the seriousness of the crime, police authorities announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to the arrest of the accused.
Encounter Took Place During Police Operation
Police said the accused was later traced during a search operation conducted by law enforcement teams. During the operation, an exchange of fire reportedly took place between the suspect and police personnel.
In the encounter, the accused sustained bullet injuries. An officer serving as the in-charge of the Special Operations Group (SOG) was also injured during the operation. Both were taken for medical treatment immediately after the incident.
The accused was first admitted to the Community Health Centre in Mallawan and later shifted to the District Hospital in Hardoi, where doctors declared him dead. The injured police officer is currently undergoing treatment.
Officials Assure Detailed Investigation
Senior police officials stated that swift action was taken to ensure quick progress in the investigation. Authorities also confirmed that a detailed inquiry into every aspect of the case is still underway.
The case has triggered concern among residents in the region, with local authorities emphasising the importance of child safety and rapid response in sensitive criminal matters. Police officials maintained that all evidence related to the crime is being carefully examined as part of the ongoing investigation process.
The incident has also highlighted the role of coordinated police action, as multiple teams worked simultaneously to trace the child, identify the accused, and reconstruct the chain of events connected to the crime.