13-year-old boy abducted, burnt body found near city
A 13-year-old boy from Arakere, Bengaluru, was found murdered just a day after he went missing while returning from tuition classes. The boy’s body, partially burnt, was discovered Thursday evening in a rocky patch along Bannerghatta-Gottigere Road, only 8 kilometres from his home.
The boy, Nischith A, was a Class 8 student of Christ School. He lived with his parents in Vysya Bank Colony, off Bannerghatta Road. His father, Achutha JC, is a college lecturer, and his mother works in a tech firm.
Disappearance Followed by Ransom Calls
Nischith had attended tuition as usual on Wednesday from 5 PM to 7:30 PM. But when he failed to return by 8 PM, his worried parents contacted his tutor, friends, and relatives. They later found his bicycle abandoned near Family Park, a chilling sign that something had gone wrong.
Police registered a missing person’s case around 10:30 PM. Just a few hours later, around 1 AM, the family received a ransom call demanding ₹5 lakh. The caller asked the parents to arrange the money and promised to call again with further instructions.
Desperate to save their son, the parents agreed without hesitation. But by morning, the caller changed locations multiple times, keeping the parents running from one place to another. Then, the phone was switched off.
That’s when the parents alerted the police again. Hours later, their worst fears came true.
Emotional Toll: A Family’s Nightmare, A City’s Shock
Around 5:30 PM on Thursday, a passerby spotted a body in a rocky, isolated patch of land along Bannerghatta-Gottigere Road. Police reached the location and matched the victim’s photo and physical features. Nischith’s parents, too, confirmed the identity.
Initial reports suggest the child may have been lured by a man on a motorcycle. CCTV footage shows a biker intercepting Nischith, having a brief conversation, after which the boy leaves his bicycle behind and hops on the bike. Police are now trying to identify the rider and trace the mobile number used to make the ransom calls.
Mental Health Ripple Effect
The incident has shaken parents across the neighbourhood. Schools in the area have tightened security, and several parents have stopped sending their children to tuition classes alone.
This kind of tragedy doesn’t just affect the family, psychologists warn. “Children who knew the victim, his classmates, and even neighbours can experience anxiety, nightmares, or confusion about their safety,” said child counsellor Revathi Iyer. “If not addressed, it can lead to long-term trust issues or behaviour changes.”
Local schools are being urged to provide counselling sessions for students and staff to process the grief and fear.
Ongoing Investigation and Appeal for Information
Police are continuing to track digital clues, including call records and CCTV footage, to identify the culprits. While two suspects have reportedly been detained following an encounter, officials have yet to release official confirmations about the arrest.
Authorities have appealed to the public to come forward with any leads.
Conclusion
Nischith’s murder is not just a police case; it’s a mirror to the fears, gaps, and unspoken mental health crises within our communities.
While justice must be swift, experts stress that healing must be just as thorough. Behind every headline is a family broken, and a city reminded of how vulnerable its children can be.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
