A shocking incident has emerged from Firozabad district in Uttar Pradesh, where a 24-year-old man was arrested for allegedly killing a one-and-a-half-year-old child after the toddler’s mother repeatedly refused his marriage proposal.
The accused, identified as Jitendra Pathak alias Viraj, was arrested on Sunday after an alleged exchange of fire with police near Mainpuri Road.
The victim, Aarav, was the son of Rati Devi, who had reportedly been living separately from her husband, Sumit, due to marital disputes.
Accused Allegedly Wanted to Marry Child’s Mother
According to police, Viraj, who runs a grocery store and is reportedly related to Rati’s husband, had been helping the family with divorce proceedings and later developed feelings for her.
Investigators said he repeatedly proposed marriage to Rati, but she refused his advances.
On May 29, Rati and her mother, Pinki Devi, had travelled to Shikohabad for legal advice. Police said Viraj followed them and again proposed marriage, but was rejected.
Officials alleged that the accused began viewing Aarav as an obstacle to his relationship with Rati.
CCTV Captures Brutal Attack
Police said that around 2:30 pm on Saturday, Viraj allegedly took Aarav away on the pretext of buying him a toffee.
Investigators claim CCTV footage showed the accused taking the child to a deserted area and violently throwing him onto the road multiple times.
The severely injured child was later found by family members and rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
A murder case was registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Arrest After Police Encounter
According to police, a tip-off later revealed that the accused was trying to flee near Mainpuri Road. A police team set up a cordon in the area to intercept him.
Officials said Viraj allegedly opened fire when officers tried to stop him, leading to retaliatory firing by police.
He reportedly suffered a bullet injury to his leg and was taken into custody. Police recovered a country-made pistol, live cartridges and spent shells from his possession.
Ravi Shanker Prasad, Superintendent of Police (City), said authorities are collecting evidence quickly to strengthen the case.
“We are working to gather all necessary evidence expeditiously to file a charge sheet in the court. We will try to ensure that the court gives him the strictest punishment,” he said.
Police said the investigation is ongoing.
