13-Year-Old Trader’s Son Kidnapped, Murdered for Ransom in Chitrakoot; One Accused Killed in Police Encounter, Market Shut in Protest

The brutal kidnapping and murder of a 13-year-old boy has triggered widespread outrage and a complete shutdown of the Bargarh market area in Chitrakoot district of Uttar Pradesh. The shocking crime has raised serious questions over law and order in the region bordering Prayagraj.

The victim, Ayush Kesarwani alias Chhotu, was the youngest son of local businessman Ashok Kesarwani. According to police, Ayush was kidnapped in broad daylight on the evening of Thursday, January 22, 2026, from the Bargarh police station area. He was allegedly lured by his next-door neighbours, identified as Kallu alias Sahibey and Irfan Ansari, on the pretext of teaching him how to ride a motorcycle.

Soon after the abduction, the accused contacted the family and demanded a ransom of ₹40 lakh. Police said that despite the ransom demand, the kidnappers allegedly murdered the boy later the same night when the money was not paid. His body was subsequently hidden inside a box kept in a bathroom at the accused’s residence.

The crime came to light on Friday, January 23, when police recovered Ayush’s body during a search operation. Locals were left stunned when the locked box was opened and the child’s body was found inside, leading to anger and panic across the Bargarh area.

Following the recovery, police traced the accused within the Bargarh police station limits. On Friday morning, police teams surrounded the suspects. Officials said the accused opened fire at the police, prompting retaliatory action. In the encounter, one accused, Kallu alias Sahve Iman (around 70), a resident of Katra Chauraha under Ghurpur police station, was killed. The second accused, Irfan Ansari, son of Aftab Alam, was shot in the leg and taken into custody.

Police said both accused were directly involved in the kidnapping and murder of the businessman’s son. Security has been tightened across the district, and further investigation is underway to identify any additional involvement.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked massive protests in Bargarh town. Traders and residents shut down the entire market, demanding strict action and swift justice. The Bargarh area was turned into a virtual cantonment with heavy police deployment, but public anger continues to simmer. Locals have warned that protests may intensify if justice is delayed.

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