Firozabad Child Murder Case: Shocking Details Emerge as Accused Arrested Within Hours of Brutal Killing

A deeply disturbing case from Firozabad district in Uttar Pradesh has left the nation shaken.

The tragic killing of one-and-a-half-year-old Aarav in Shikohabad has sparked widespread outrage after CCTV footage reportedly captured the horrifying moments leading to the toddler’s death.

According to investigators, the footage shows the accused, Viraj alias Jitendra Pathak, carrying the child out of the house during the afternoon when the lane was largely deserted.

Police allege that the accused then fatally assaulted the child on the road. The incident, which lasted only a short time, has shocked residents and investigators alike due to its alleged brutality.

Family members, residents, and police personnel were left devastated after reviewing the CCTV footage.

Several people reportedly broke down in tears, while members of the forensic and police teams described the visuals as deeply distressing.

Troubled Family Background

Aarav’s grandmother, Pinki Devi, a private school teacher, shared details of the family’s difficult circumstances. She said her daughter, Rati Devi, married Sumit Kumar of Badaun in February 2024.

Despite family ties between the two households, the marriage soon became strained.

According to Pinki Devi, Rati allegedly faced repeated harassment and domestic abuse from her husband and in-laws over dowry-related issues.

Unable to bear the situation, she eventually returned to her parental home, where she had been living for the past several months with her young son.

Rati gave birth to Aarav on November 3, 2024. Family members hoped life would improve after the child’s birth, but tensions within the marriage reportedly continued.

Investigation Points to Rejected Marriage Proposal

Police investigations suggest that the accused, Viraj Pathak, a relative of Rati’s husband, had gradually developed close ties with the family.

Authorities allege that he gained the family’s trust by offering assistance in legal matters involving Rati and her husband.

During the course of these interactions, Viraj allegedly proposed marriage to Rati. When she rejected the proposal, investigators believe he became increasingly obsessed.

Police suspect that he convinced himself that Aarav’s presence was the primary reason Rati was unwilling to consider a future with him.

Investigators allege that this obsession ultimately led him to target the child.

Arrest Following Police Encounter

Acting on the complaint lodged by Aarav’s grandmother, police launched an intensive search operation. Within hours of the crime, officers tracked down the accused near Bhuda Bhartara Road.

According to police, Viraj attempted to evade arrest and allegedly opened fire on the police team using an illegal firearm. Officers responded in self-defence, resulting in gunshot injuries to both of his legs.

He was subsequently taken into custody and admitted to a hospital under police guard.

Authorities have also registered a separate case against him for allegedly attacking the police team.

Alleged Murder Plot and Weapon Recovery

Police officials claim that during initial questioning, the accused disclosed that he had originally planned to kill the child using a country-made pistol that he had brought with him from Badaun.

Investigators allege that he abandoned that plan because he feared being caught if gunshots attracted immediate attention.

The firearm and ammunition have since been recovered by police and are being examined as part of the investigation.

Disturbing Behaviour After Arrest

Hospital staff were reportedly surprised by the accused’s behaviour following his arrest. While receiving treatment, he allegedly began shouting religious slogans inside the emergency ward, creating confusion among patients, attendants, and medical personnel.

Security personnel and police officers eventually calmed the situation, allowing doctors to continue treatment.

Threats Allegedly Made After the Crime

Investigators are also examining allegations that the accused made threatening phone calls after the incident. According to family members, he contacted a relative of Rati living in Delhi and allegedly warned that he would target other members of the family if legal action was pursued against him.

The family says the threats have left them frightened and traumatised. They have requested police protection and urged investigators to include the alleged phone calls as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Community in Shock

The killing of young Aarav has sent shockwaves through Firozabad and beyond. Residents, child rights advocates, and members of the public have expressed grief and anger over the tragedy.

While the accused is now in custody and the investigation is progressing rapidly, the loss of a child under such heartbreaking circumstances has left an entire family devastated and a community searching for answers.

Police officials have stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that all aspects of the case, including motive, evidence, and alleged threats, are being thoroughly examined.