Ludhiana: Six days after a nine-year-old boy was found murdered in Kasabad village, Punjab Police have declared a 20-year-old fugitive a “wanted man,” offering a ₹20,000 reward for information leading to his capture.The suspect, Ajay Kumar, allegedly slit the boy’s throat just days after escaping police custody from a local hospital. Police have now blanketed the region with posters as the search expands toward the Uttar Pradesh border.
A Timeline of TerrorThe suspect’s flight from justice began on Feb 2, when he escaped custody at Ludhiana Civil Hospital during a medical examination for a foot fracture. At the time, he was serving a sentence for the rape of a minor girl. Three days later, on Feb 5, boy vanished while playing near his home. His body was discovered on Feb 7, discarded in heavy brush just 2 km from his house. While initial fears suggested sexual assault, an autopsy has currently ruled it out, though secondary forensic results are pending.The Search IntensifiesSalem Tabri police officials believe Ajay Kumar may have fled to his ancestral home near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. “Our teams are conducting continuous raids,” a police official stated. “We have already booked individuals found to be sheltering him, but the primary suspect remains at large. His identity is confirmed via CCTV footage showing the victim following him on the day he disappeared.”Being convicted sex offender who escaped from Borstal Jail custody, the 20-year-old suspect is declared to be out and dangerous. The ₹20,000 reward is for verified leads, while the identity of informers will remain confidential.A Father’s PleaThe victim’s father told the investigators that the family had no prior relationship or rivalry with the suspect. “I don’t know why he targeted my son,” he said. “We didn’t even know him, even though he lived in the same village. I just want justice.” The police have urged the public to exercise caution, as the suspect is considered dangerous and has a history of violent crime against minors.
