Life Imprisonment for Two Men in Minor’s Kidnapping and Murder Case in Prayagraj
Rajesh Pandey
In a chilling case of kidnapping for ransom that ended in tragedy, the Sessions Court of Prayagraj on Monday sentenced two men to life imprisonment for the brutal killing of a minor boy. The court also imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on each convict.
The verdict was pronounced by Additional Sessions Judge (POCSO Court) Prabhat Kumar Yadav, who noted that the offence was “heinous and grave” and left a scar not only on the victim’s family but also on society at large.
The convicts, identified as Sukhdev and Sanjay alias Ratnesh Verma, were found guilty after a trial that stretched over two years.
How the Crime Unfolded
The case dates back to September 23, 2024, when a minor boy, Subh Kesarwani, stepped out of his home in Shankargarh, Prayagraj, to buy some items but never returned.
His disappearance threw the family into panic. Hours later, the child’s father received a horrifying phone call — the kidnappers demanded ₹15 lakh as ransom for the boy’s safe release.
According to police records, the accused had lured the unsuspecting child on the pretext of showing him a white rabbit. The seemingly innocent bait was enough to gain the boy’s trust, and he fell into their trap.
Murder Before Arrest
The investigation soon gained momentum, and police managed to trace the phone calls back to Sukhdev and Sanjay. Realizing that the noose was tightening around them, the two men panicked. Fearing arrest, they killed little Subh before the police could rescue him.
Their arrest followed shortly after, and the grim reality of the child’s fate came to light. The incident sent shockwaves across Prayagraj, with locals expressing outrage at the cruelty inflicted on the minor.
Court’s Observation and Verdict
After a thorough investigation, the police filed a chargesheet against the two men. The trial, which ran for nearly two years, presented strong evidence of their involvement.
The POCSO court concluded that the act of kidnapping and murdering an innocent child for monetary gain was among the gravest of crimes, deserving strict punishment.
On September 22, 2025, the court held both accused guilty and awarded them life imprisonment. The judge emphasized that such crimes not only destroy a family but also shake public faith in safety and humanity.
Justice, But Scars Remain
While the verdict has brought a sense of justice to the bereaved family of Subh Kesarwani, the deep wounds of their loss remain. A child full of life was taken away in the cruellest of circumstances, leaving behind unanswered questions of “why him?” and a reminder of how greed can drive human beings to the darkest of acts.
The case also stands as a grim warning to society about the importance of vigilance and the need for stronger deterrents against crimes involving children.
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