In a tragic incident in Bengaluru, 13-year-old Nishchith A., a Class 8 student, was kidnapped on July 30, 2025, while returning from tuition at Arekere. The kidnappers allegedly demanded a ransom of Rs 5 lakh from the family, but despite the parents’ attempts to arrange payment, Nishchith was brutally killed the same night. His partially burnt body was discovered near Bannerghatta forest on July 31.
Two suspects, Gurumurthy (27)—a former driver known to the family—and Gopalakrishna (25), were arrested following a police encounter in which officers fired in self-defence after being attacked. The local police are investigating the case thoroughly, assuring the public swift justice and enhanced child protection measures.
Police Encounter and Arrests Mark Swift and Courageous Law Enforcement
The Bengaluru police demonstrated rapid response and operational courage in this case. Acting on leads, police teams tracked down the suspects near Kaggalipura Road late on July 31. During the arrest attempt, the accused resisted fiercely, wielding sharp weapons and attempting to flee, forcing officers to fire six shots in self-defence, injuring both suspects in the legs.
Both Gurumurthy and Gopalakrishna were immediately hospitalised under police custody for treatment. Gurumurthy’s involvement is particularly distressing, as he was reportedly a trusted aide of the victim’s family, having served as their spare driver. Authorities stated that following Nishchith’s abduction, Gurumurthy slit the boy’s throat and set his body on fire to destroy evidence after contacting the family for ransom. The police are continuing investigations to uncover the full extent of the crime and any accomplices.
Background: Community Shock, Details of the Crime, and Ongoing Investigation
Nishchith, an academically bright boy, was last seen around 5 pm on July 30, leaving his tuition class. Concern intensified after finding his bicycle abandoned near a park close to his home. His parents filed a missing complaint by nightfall, receiving ransom calls demanding Rs 5 lakh. Despite efforts to arrange payment, the boy’s fate was sealed tragically. The grim discovery of his partially burnt body in a secluded area near Bannerghatta-Gottigere Road horrified the local community.
This incident has profoundly shaken Bengaluru residents, reigniting concerns regarding child safety, especially with a perpetrator known to the family involved. Police personnel are using technical surveillance, forensic analysis, and interrogation efforts to piece together the timeline and uncover all responsible parties. Local leaders and child welfare advocates have called for enhanced protection measures and community vigilance following this tragedy.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian joins the community in mourning this heartbreaking loss of a young life and strongly condemns such cruel acts of violence and betrayal. The involvement of a trusted individual in this crime deepens the sense of violation and underscores urgent gaps in child protection and community trust.
While swift and decisive police action is crucial to ensure justice, there is an equally important need for preventive measures focused on grassroots awareness, safety education, and stronger reporting mechanisms. Child safety is a collective responsibility requiring collaboration among families, schools, law enforcement, and civil society.
