Bengaluru Police Ramp Up Legal Strategy in Heinous Child Abduction-Murder Case
In a determined effort to secure a conviction for last year's abduction and murder of a 13-year-old boy, Bengaluru police have significantly strengthened their legal approach. The government has appointed a special public prosecutor (SPP) to lead the trial, underscoring the gravity of the case.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The case involves the abduction and killing of Nishchit A, a class VIII student, who was kidnapped on the night of August 30, 2025, while returning home from tuition in Hulimavu. His half-burnt body was discovered the following evening in the Bilvaradahalli forest area of Bannerghatta.
Investigators have identified the crime as orchestrated by S Gurumurthy, 25, who worked as a driver for the boy's family, and his associate P Gopi, 27. The duo allegedly plotted the kidnapping to extort Rs 5 lakh. Both accused were later tracked down, shot at and injured during police action, and subsequently arrested. They remain in judicial custody at Bengaluru Central Prison after the court denied them bail.
Comprehensive Legal Documentation and Witness Accounts
Police have built an extensive case, filing chargesheets totaling 1,565 pages within a tight timeline. The preliminary chargesheet of 1,347 pages was submitted within 60 days of arrest, followed by a supplementary one of 218 pages. Together, these documents include statements from 126 witnesses.
Police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting the appointment of SPP Ashok Naik, approved by the home department. Ashok Naik previously served as the SPP in the Prajwal Revanna case, which ended in conviction. Unlike regular prosecutors, an SPP focuses solely on a single case, allowing for closer attention to detail during the trial.
Singh stated, "It was a heinous case where two men masterminded the kidnap of a boy for ransom and later killed him, the only child of his parents. Such cases should not occur again in our society. After the preliminary chargesheet containing statements from 110 witnesses, the additional one had statements from 16 more eyewitnesses."
Evidence Gathering and Investigative Techniques
The investigation, led by DCP (Electronics City) M Narayana, relies on a combination of eyewitness accounts, digital tracking, and circumstantial evidence. Witnesses reportedly saw Gurumurthy taking the boy on a motorbike on the night of the kidnapping.
Police have compiled CCTV footage from 17 cameras to reconstruct the route taken by the accused, including visuals of them buying snacks at a bakery and purchasing petrol in a bottle from a fuel station. A digital map based on this footage forms a crucial part of the evidence.
Investigators allege that Gopi stole a keypad phone, used its SIM card in a smartphone to install WhatsApp and make the ransom call, before disposing of the device. This digital evidence is pivotal in linking the accused to the crime.
Aim to Set a Precedent
Officials have stated that the case is being pursued with the intent of setting a precedent against crimes targeting children. The meticulous legal and investigative efforts reflect a broader commitment to justice and deterrence in similar future cases.
