Lucknow Child Torture Case: Police Recover Household Items as Evidence
In a deeply disturbing development in Lucknow, the alleged torture of a four-year-old boy in the city's Chowk area has taken a more chilling turn. Police have recovered several household objects that are suspected to have been used to assault the child, shedding light on the horrific nature of the abuse.
Recovery of Evidence Points to Sustained Abuse
During the investigation, Chowk police conducted a search at the house of the accused, identified as the child's father Bhishm Kharbanda and stepmother Ragini, located in Lajpat Nagar. From the premises, investigators recovered a broom, a floor wiper, a vegetable-cutting knife, a scale, a belt, and a rope. These items have been seized as potential evidence in the case.
The recovery of these objects assumes critical significance in light of the post-mortem examination findings. The autopsy revealed 18 distinct injury marks and multiple fractures on the minor's body, strongly indicating sustained physical abuse prior to his death. Police officials believe that the nature and variety of the injuries suggest the child may have been subjected to repeated assaults using different implements.
Official Statements and Investigation Details
"The items recovered from the house include a broom, wiper, belt, rope, a scale and a kitchen knife. These have been seized as part of the investigation and will be examined further," stated Chowk Station House Officer Nagesh Upadhay. He emphasized that these objects are now in police custody as evidence and will undergo thorough examination as the investigation progresses.
The tragic incident unfolded when the boy died on Thursday under suspicious circumstances. Acting on a complaint filed by the child's maternal grandmother, Chowk police promptly registered a murder case against the couple. Both Bhishm Kharbanda and Ragini were taken into custody for questioning and subsequently arrested after the post-mortem findings confirmed severe physical abuse.
Background of the Case and Family Allegations
According to relatives, the young boy had been living with his maternal family in Unnao following the death of his mother Swati in April 2022. In a tragic turn of events, the child was handed over to his father in August 2025 pursuant to a court order. Family members have alleged that after gaining custody, the father and stepmother frequently assaulted the child.
In a particularly distressing detail, relatives claim that the accused tried to conceal the injury marks by making the child wear full-sleeved clothes and a cap, even during the hot summer months. This attempt to hide evidence of abuse has added to the gravity of the allegations against the couple.
Community Outrage and Police Response
The incident has triggered widespread anger and outrage among local residents in the Chowk neighborhood. On Saturday, when police brought the accused couple to the house for reconstruction of the crime scene, several residents gathered outside and raised slogans against them. The situation grew tense as emotions ran high among community members.
Police personnel had to manage the crowd and eventually escorted the accused out of the area amid heavy tension. The public display of anger reflects the deep-seated concern and horror felt by the community regarding this case of alleged child torture.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Officials have confirmed that questioning of the accused is currently underway to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the child's death. The investigation team is working meticulously to piece together the timeline of abuse and establish the role of the recovered household objects in the alleged torture.
The recovered evidence, combined with the post-mortem findings and witness statements, will form the crux of the case against the accused. As the legal process moves forward, authorities are committed to ensuring a thorough investigation that brings justice for the young victim.
