BK Singh
Prayagraj (Naini) In the quiet bylanes of Mahewa’s New Basti, a family’s world has been torn apart. What started as an ordinary Friday evening has spiraled into a chilling murder investigation that now grips the entire region.
Sharad, an 11-year-old boy beloved by his neighbors, stepped out of his home with a simple promise to return. Hours later, he was found strangled to death in a nearby field—a scene so gruesome that it has left villagers terrified and searching for answers.
Who could have done this? Was this an act of cold-blooded revenge? A crime of opportunity? Or the dark manifestation of a simmering village feud?
A Timeline of Tragedy
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Friday, ~7 p.m. | Sharad steps out of his home in Mahewa’s New Basti, telling his mother he’ll be back soon. |
| Friday night | Panic sets in as Sharad doesn’t return. His father, Mohanlal, leads a desperate search through every lane with the help of neighbors. |
| Saturday, early morning | A farmer discovers a lifeless body in his field. Villagers rush to the spot; Sharad’s family identifies him. |
| Saturday morning | Police arrive, seal the scene, videograph evidence, and deploy a dog squad. |
| Postmortem report | Confirms strangulation; deep neck injuries indicate deliberate murder. |
| Current status | FIR registered under Section 302 IPC against unknown accused; investigation ongoing. |
The Discovery That Shattered the Village
On Saturday morning, the calm of Mahewa was pierced by cries of horror when a farmer stumbled upon Sharad’s lifeless body at the edge of his field. Word spread instantly. Soon, villagers poured in, surrounding the site in stunned silence.
Meena Devi, Sharad’s mother, rushed to the scene and collapsed in grief, her cries echoing through the fields. Neighbors tried to comfort her, but the pain was too raw. Mohanlal, Sharad’s father, sat in shock, whispering: “I should have gone with him… he was just a child.”
Inside the Investigation
Police arrived swiftly and locked down the area. A videographed inquest was conducted, and a dog squad was deployed, but failed to pick up a scent trail. Officers also began reviewing CCTV footage from nearby streets.
Senior officials have confirmed a murder case under Section 302 of the IPC has been registered against unknown persons. “This was not an accident. It was deliberate,” said a senior police officer. “We are exploring every possible angle—from local disputes to outside involvement.”
Who Could Have Wanted Sharad Dead?
Every investigation begins with a motive. And that is where this story becomes even more disturbing.
- Personal Enmity?
Did Mohanlal or Meena Devi have long-standing tensions with neighbors or relatives? In rural areas, disputes over land or family matters can escalate dangerously. - Revenge?
Was Sharad’s killing meant to send a chilling message to his parents? Could someone have targeted their child to settle a score? - An Outsider’s Crime?
Villagers fear the possibility of an outsider stalking children. Could this be the work of a predator or a stranger passing through the area?
“We’ve all lived here for years,” said an elderly villager. “If someone wanted revenge, they’d know exactly how to hurt the family.”
A Village Drowning in Fear
Since Sharad’s murder, the lanes of Mahewa have fallen eerily silent. Parents now walk their children to school. Neighbors exchange wary looks, their trust fractured.
“Everyone is terrified,” said Sunita Devi, a neighbor. “If this can happen to Sharad, no child is safe here.”
Police Vow Swift Justice
Senior officers are under mounting pressure to crack the case. Special investigation teams are working around the clock. Forensic experts are analyzing evidence collected at the scene, while police teams question villagers, family members, and anyone who might know something.
“We will not let this case go cold,” said an investigator. “We are close to unearthing the truth.”
The Larger Picture
Sharad’s murder is not just a village tragedy—it’s a grim reminder of how vulnerable children remain, especially in rural regions where CCTV coverage is sparse and communities rely on trust.
Punch Line
This isn’t merely a murder investigation; it’s a battle for justice in a village now haunted by suspicion and fear. Until the killer is caught, one chilling question will haunt Mahewa:
Who killed Sharad—and why would anyone benefit from the death of an innocent boy?
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