Bengaluru police have arrested a UK-returned MTech graduate in connection with a suspected ₹ 1 crore ransom plot. This development follows the grim discovery of a 13-year-old boy’s body found in the boot of an SUV. The vehicle was located after a series of road accidents near Chikkajala. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the case and the motives behind the alleged ransom.
His alleged associate, Edukondalu, a private school bus cleaner, is yet to be traced. The journey, however, came to an abrupt end after the SUV was involved in multiple collisions. He later crashed into two parked cars near an apartment complex. The noise attracted residents and security guards, who stopped Bhaskar and checked the vehicle. The boy’s body was subsequently found inside the boot, leading to police intervention. Police are questioning Bhaskar to establish the motive and reconstruct the events leading to the boy’s death. A search operation is underway to locate Edukondalu and determine his role in the crime.
Police identified the arrested man as Wala Bhaskar Reddy (28), who had recently joined an infrastructure company. Investigators suspect the duo planned to abduct the boy and demand ₹ 1 crore from his family.
Police said there was no known dispute between the two families. Police said Bhaskar allegedly rammed the vehicle into an electricity pole before continuing towards Chikkajala.
The victim, M Prajwal, was a Class VIII student and was acquainted with Bhaskar as their families had previously lived near each other in Yelahanka.
After taking Prajwal away from the residential area, Bhaskar and Edukondalu allegedly drove him to a secluded location. Police suspect the accused recorded a video of the boy while holding him captive, intending to use it to demand money from his family.
North East division Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) G K Mithun Kumar said the investigation had so far found no evidence of hostility between the accused’s family and the victim’s family.
