Man Held for Kidnapping, Murder of 7-Year-Old Boy in Odisha

In a shocking crime that has shaken Odisha’s Rayagada district, police on Sunday arrested a man for allegedly kidnapping and brutally murdering his seven-year-old nephew in a bid to extract ransom from his own family. 

The accused, identified as Chandan Gantayat, was taken into custody after investigators uncovered his role in the chilling crime, police said. According to the police, the accused had been facing severe financial distress after losing a substantial amount of money in online betting, which left him burdened with heavy debt. 

Investigators revealed that Chandan had earlier approached his brother— the child’s father— seeking financial help, but his request was



reportedly declined, leading to tension within the family.

Police said the accused then allegedly devised a plan to abduct the child to extort money. He reportedly kidnapped the seven-year-old boy and later sent a message to the family demanding a ransom of Rs 4 lakh for the child’s release.

However, as family members began searching for the missing boy and anxiety grew within the household, the accused allegedly panicked, fearing that his involvement might soon be exposed.

“In an attempt to cover up the crime, he allegedly killed the child by slitting his throat,” the Rayagada Superintendent of Police said while revealing details of the investigation on Sunday.