Kamal Ghorui
LUCKNOW: The alleged torture of a four-year-old boy in Lucknow’s Chowk area took a more chilling turn after police recovered several household objects suspected to be used to assault the child.During the investigation, Chowk police recovered a broom, floor wiper, vegetable-cutting knife, a scale, a belt and a rope from the house of the accused, child’s father Bhishm Kharbanda and stepmother Ragini in Lajpat Nagar. Investigators believe the objects may have been used repeatedly to beat the child.The recoveries assume significance as the post-mortem examination revealed 18 injury marks and multiple fractures on the minor’s body, suggesting sustained physical abuse before his death. Police said the nature of the injuries indicated that the child may have been subjected to repeated assaults using different objects. “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,” said Chowk SHO Nagesh Upadhay.
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The boy died on Thursday under suspicious circumstances. Based on a complaint filed by the child’s maternal grandmother, Chowk police registered a murder case against the couple. Both were taken into custody for questioning and later arrested after the post-mortem findings indicated severe physical abuse.According to relatives, the boy was living with his maternal family in Unnao after the death of his mother Swati in April 2022. The child was handed over to his father in August 2025 following a court order.Meanwhile, the incident triggered anger among local residents in the Chowk neighbourhood. 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. Police personnel managed the crowd and escorted the accused out of the area amid heavy tension.Family members alleged that after taking custody, the father and stepmother frequently assaulted the child and tried to hide injury marks by making him wear full-sleeved clothes and a cap, even during the summer months.“The recovered items were taken into custody as evidence and will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation,” the SHO added. Officials added that questioning of the accused is underway to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the child’s death.
