A 24-year-old man in India has been arrested after allegedly luring an 18-month-old boy away from his family before carrying out a brutal attack that shocked the nation and sparked widespread outrage.
The horrific incident occurred in Shikohabad, in India’s Uttar Pradesh state, where the victim, identified as Aarav, was allegedly targeted by a man obsessed with the child’s mother.
According to police, the suspect, Viraj, had developed strong feelings for Aarav’s mother, Rati Devi, who had been living separately from her husband while divorce proceedings were ongoing.
Authorities said Viraj, a relative of Rati’s husband, had become involved in family matters and repeatedly proposed marriage to her. However, his advances were consistently rejected.
Investigators believe the suspect later developed an unhealthy obsession and began viewing the woman’s young son as the biggest obstacle to his hopes of building a future with her.
On the day of the tragedy, Rati and her mother were visiting relatives before a planned meeting with a lawyer regarding her divorce case. Police said Viraj learned of their whereabouts and went to the location.
Witnesses said he appeared friendly and offered to take the toddler to buy sweets, convincing family members to let the child accompany him.
Instead, police allege he led the boy to a deserted alley located about 50 metres from the residence.
CCTV footage reviewed by investigators allegedly captured the entire attack.
According to police, the footage showed Viraj carrying the child into the alley before violently slamming him onto the ground at least eight times within a span of just 34 seconds. Authorities said the assault continued even after the toddler was left helpless and unable to defend himself.
The footage reportedly showed the child eventually lying motionless on the ground while the suspect calmly walked away from the scene.
Family members became alarmed when Aarav failed to return and immediately began searching for him.
The toddler was later found critically injured in a nearby alley and rushed to hospital, but doctors were unable to save him.
The shocking crime quickly triggered anger across India, with many social media users describing the suspect as a monster and demanding the harshest punishment possible.
Following the incident, police launched a major manhunt involving four special investigation teams and roadblocks throughout the area.
The suspect was eventually tracked down near Mainpuri Road.
According to authorities, Viraj allegedly attempted to evade arrest and opened fire on officers when confronted.
Police returned fire, striking him in the leg before successfully taking him into custody.
He was transported to hospital for treatment before being formally arrested.
Investigators have opened a murder case against the suspect, while further inquiries remain ongoing.
The tragedy has reignited discussions in India about violence against women and children, with many calling for stronger protections for vulnerable victims and tougher penalties for offenders.
