The victim, a minor studying for the NEET examinations, suffered at the hands of senior students who lured him into an online betting game. After borrowing money and falling into a debt trap, the student was subjected to barbaric acts of violence that were captured on video and spread across social media. These clips show the young student being mercilessly attacked, with one video displaying the use of a blowtorch near his hair and another showing a brick tied to his body in a degrading manner.

The student, originally from Etawah, had recently relocated to Kanpur to attend coaching classes. It was here that he encountered the accused individuals, who are believed to be operating a racket designed to trap unsuspecting students. They provided him with ₹20,000 for betting, which spiraled into a demand for ₹2 lakh when he lost the sum. Unable to pay, the student was confined and repeatedly assaulted in a rented apartment.

Law Enforcement Steps In

After the student’s parents reported the incident to the police in Etawah, initial action was minimal. However, the situation escalated when footage of the assault became public on May 4th, prompting the Kanpur police to act. Six individuals have been apprehended, facing charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the POCSO Act, and the IT Act. The ongoing investigation suggests these students were running a blackmail operation, preying on naive students to ensnare them financially.

This incident has highlighted the dangers of predatory schemes and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from such exploitation. The community awaits justice as the authorities continue their inquiry into this appalling crime.

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