Relative Suspected for Murder of Four-Year-Old

Kurnool: A four-year-old boy was allegedly murdered by a close relative at Gokanapeta village in N.P. Kunta mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district on Wednesday. Superintendent of police S. Sateesh Kumar said the parents, Gangadhar and Chandrakala, lodged a complaint after their son Harshavardhan went missing, following which a case was registered under Crime No. 67/25 and special teams were formed.

With no initial leads, the investigation gained direction after the parents expressed suspicion about Chandrakala’s brother, T. Prasad. The police intensified the search and, around 3 p.m., discovered the child’s body in bushes within N.P. Kunta limits. Forensic science laboratory teams examined the scene.

According to the parents and Anganwadi staff, Prasad had been following the child for the past two months. When questioned earlier, he allegedly claimed his 12-year-old son was suffering from cancer and that he needed financial assistance.

The SP said efforts are under way to trace and arrest Prasad. The missing case has now been altered to a murder case. Police suspect family disputes and financial issues may have led to the crime. The SP advised parents to remain alert regarding their children’s safety.