Debt from online betting: Odisha man kidnaps nephew, murders him for Rs 4L

In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves across Odisha’s Rayagada district, police on Sunday cracked the kidnapping and brutal murder of a seven-year-old boy, with the child’s uncle emerging as the prime accused.

The accused, identified as Chandan Gantayat, has been arrested in connection with the crime.

Revealing details of the case on Sunday, Rayagada Superintendent of Police (SP) said the accused allegedly committed the crime due to severe financial distress. According to police investigations, Chandan had lost a substantial amount of money in online betting and had fallen into heavy debt. 

In an attempt to manage his financial crisis, he had earlier approached his brother for monetary help. However, when his request for money was refused, it reportedly led to tension and a dispute within the family.

Police said the accused later devised a plan to obtain money by targeting his own nephew. He allegedly kidnapped the seven-year-old child and subsequently sent a message to the family demanding a ransom of Rs 4 lakh for the boy’s release. As family members grew anxious and began searching for the child, the accused reportedly panicked, fearing that he might be caught.

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In a desperate attempt to avoid being exposed, he allegedly killed the boy by slitting his throat, committing a gruesome act that has stunned the local community.

The child’s body was later recovered in a mutilated condition from the Old Station Sahi area of Bissam Cuttack. Following the discovery, police launched an investigation and soon traced the involvement of the accused uncle.

Chandan Gantayat has since been taken into custody, and police have initiated further investigation to ascertain additional details surrounding the crime. The incident has sparked outrage and grief in the locality, with residents demanding strict action against the accused.