In Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, a one-sided love led Viraj, also known as Jitendra Pathak, to murder 18-month-old Arav. He repeatedly threw the child on the road eight times. Consequently, Arav died while his mother Rati watched helplessly. Police later wounded Viraj in both legs during an encounter and arrested him. Authorities recovered a .315 pistol, two cartridges, and five live bullets.
Mother’s Outrage and Accusations
Rati, grieving at her parents’ home, demanded the killer face execution or be handed to her for punishment. Moreover, she accused her husband Sunit and in-laws of conspiring to kill Arav. Rati married Sunit on 18 February 2024 but moved back to her Bamai village in January 2025 due to marital disputes. Additionally, she claimed her in-laws repeatedly suggested killing Arav. Sunit pressured DNA tests, denied Arav as his son, and displayed extreme insensitivity upon hearing of the death.
CCTV Reveals Shocking Cruelty
CCTV footage shows Viraj taking Arav in his arms and violently throwing him eight times on the street. Subsequently, he abandoned the child’s body outside the home and fled. Moreover, a stunned passenger recorded the entire incident, highlighting the extreme brutality.
Killer’s Motivation
According to CO Amrish Kumar, Viraj wanted to force Rati into marriage. When she consistently refused, he believed as long as Arav lived, she would not marry him. Consequently, Viraj killed the child, considering him an obstacle to marriage.
Current Situation
Viraj now lies in a district hospital on a stretcher, pleading for water. Meanwhile, SP City Ravishankar Prasad confirmed strict legal action against him is underway.
