Bengaluru, September 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A 13-year-old boy was allegedly kidnapped and beaten to death in Bengaluru, with his body later found in the boot of a car after the vehicle was involved in a series of accidents, police said on Friday.
The deceased has been identified as Prajwal, a resident of Vinayakanagar in Yelahanka. Police have arrested the alleged prime accused, Bhaskar Reddy, who also lived in the same locality. A second accused, identified as Yelukundalavada, is absconding and a search has been launched to trace him.
According to the preliminary investigation, Reddy allegedly took Prajwal in his car on Wednesday evening on the pretext of buying firecrackers for a Ganesh procession. Instead, police said, he kept the boy inside the vehicle and allegedly demanded money from his family.
The accused also allegedly forced Prajwal to record a video, which was then used to threaten his parents and demand money.
Police suspect that Reddy subsequently assaulted the boy with a hollow brick inside the car, resulting in his death. He allegedly placed the body in the boot and attempted to flee towards Andhra Pradesh.
During the journey, Reddy reportedly lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a wall. He later allegedly caused a series of accidents on Ballari Service Road, following which local residents caught him.
Chikkajala police reached the spot after being alerted about the accidents and inspected the vehicle. The boy’s body was reportedly found inside the boot when it was opened.
During questioning, Reddy allegedly tried to mislead investigators by claiming that the boy had accidentally come in front of the car and died in the accident. He reportedly told police that he was taking the body towards Andhra Pradesh at the direction of a friend.
However, the preliminary investigation indicated that Prajwal had allegedly been murdered, following which police arrested Reddy and began questioning him.
Police said Reddy was reportedly under the influence of alcohol when the incident took place.
Investigators are continuing efforts to trace the second accused, Yelukundalavada. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
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