Lucknow: In a chilling incident that has shocked the city, a two-year-old boy named Aditya was brutally beaten to death by his stepfather in the Gomtinagar area of Uttar Pradesh’s capital, Lucknow. The accused, Jagannath Saini, was arrested within 24 hours of the incident, following swift action by local police.
The Incident
According to the police, the child lived with his mother, Nandini Devi, who is the second wife of the accused. On July 28, Nandini reported to Gomtinagar police that her son had been fatally assaulted by her husband during her absence.
Acting promptly, a case was registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and a special team led by SHO Brijesh Chandra Tiwari launched a manhunt. Based on a tip-off, the police arrested Jagannath Saini near Badi Jugouli Tiraha.
The Motive
During interrogation, Jagannath confessed to the crime. He revealed that he was married twice and had three children with his first wife, two of whom lived with him. His second wife, Nandini, had a son—Aditya—from her previous marriage, whom she brought into the household. Jagannath allegedly never accepted the child and frequently argued with Nandini, pressuring her to send Aditya back to his biological father.
On July 27, while Nandini was at work, Jagannath took out his anger on the toddler, subjecting him to a brutal beating that left the child unconscious. Aditya was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Police Action and Case Details
- Case Number: 0328/2025
- Section: 103(1), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Police Station: Gomtinagar, Commissionerate Lucknow
The accused remains in custody as further investigation into his criminal background is underway. The case has triggered outrage and calls for stricter action against crimes targeting children.
