Nagpur: In a chilling case that exposes the darkest depths of betrayal and greed, police have cracked the diabolical murder of 14-year-old Atharva Dilip Nanore from Gawalipura in the Gittikhadan area. What began as a sinister plot to abduct the teenager for ransom turned into a brutal killing when the conspirators’ plan collapsed midway. Shockingly, the mastermind of the plot was none other than Atharva’s own friend.
Police arrested three accused in the early hours of Monday after intense interrogation forced them to confess. The trio includes Jai Ramgopal Yadav (19), the prime accused and a resident near Gawalipura; Ketan alias Kunal Ramesh Shahu (22) from Kutubshah Nagar, an electrician; and Ayush Mohan Shahu (19) from Eros Society near Gorewada, who owns two mini trucks used for transport.
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Apr 06,2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
Investigators revealed that the horrifying crime was meticulously planned for nearly two weeks and executed on the night of Hanuman Jayanti, when crowded religious processions would make it easier to abduct the victim without raising suspicion.
Greed breeds a sinister plot
According to police, Jai had frequently visited Atharva’s house and knew the family well. During these visits, he discovered that Atharva’s father was financially well-off and was constructing a new building. The knowledge of the family’s resources planted a poisonous idea in his mind, to kidnap his own friend and demand a hefty ransom.
Jai first confided the plan to Kunal Shahu, luring him with the promise of a large share of money. Later, they roped in Ayush Shahu, who could provide a vehicle for the abduction. The trio planned to demand Rs 40–50 lakh from the boy’s family and divide the spoils among themselves.
The conspirators deliberately chose the evening of Hanuman Jayanti, knowing the streets would be packed with devotees and music processions. Earlier that day, they gathered at a tea stall known as Kadak Chaiwala and finalized their roles, Jai would lure Atharva, Ayush would drive the vehicle, and Kunal would assist in overpowering the victim.
CCTV footage later proved crucial, showing Atharva last seen with Jai around 9.54 pm during the procession.
Feigning friendship, Jai spent the evening dancing with Atharva during the celebrations to avoid suspicion. Later, around 10 pm, he convinced the unsuspecting boy to accompany him, saying they needed to fetch a vehicle.
Trusting his friend completely, Atharva followed him to a nearby link road where a mini truck was waiting. Inside were Kunal and Ayush.
From kidnapping to cold-blooded murder
The vehicle then moved through several locations across the city, the TV Tower area, Seminary Hills, Katol Naka, Pagalkhana Chowk and Bokhara Road, before finally reaching a deserted stretch near Kolara Lake.
Here the criminals attempted to execute the kidnapping plan. They had brought rat poison spray intending to render Atharva unconscious. The chemical was sprayed onto a black scarf and pressed against his face.
But the plan failed.
Instead of losing consciousness, Atharva began screaming desperately for help. Panic gripped the trio. Fearing exposure, they resorted to a horrifying act, strangling the boy with the same scarf.
After killing him, they tied his hands and legs with pieces of cloth and dumped the body in the mini truck before driving back toward Gittikhadan.
What shocked investigators further was the accused’s shocking indifference after committing the murder. They parked the vehicle near Ayush’s house and calmly returned home to sleep, as if nothing had happened.
The following morning, Jai and Kunal returned to retrieve the body. They collected sacks from Jai’s father’s vegetable shop and stuffed the corpse inside them before setting out to dispose of it.
After driving around several areas searching for a safe location, they eventually dumped the body in a deserted stretch near the Bharatwada Bypass at around 10.30 am.
The trio even washed the mini truck to erase blood traces, hoping to destroy crucial evidence.
Crime unravelled through technology
Despite the absence of eyewitnesses, police cracked the case through meticulous technical investigation. CCTV footage showing Atharva leaving with Jai became the breakthrough clue. Investigators traced the accused’s movements through multiple surveillance cameras across the city and analysed call records.
Police also discovered that the conspirators had purchased a new mobile phone and SIM card specifically to make ransom calls without being traced. However, the plan collapsed before the ransom demand could even be made.
Each accused had expected around Rs 15 lakh from the crime.
Body found, arrests follow
Passers-by discovered the body near the bypass on April 4, triggering a massive investigation. After days of relentless tracking and interrogation, police finally cornered the suspects. Under pressure, the trio confessed to the crime early Monday morning.
Forensic teams are now examining the vehicle and other materials to gather scientific evidence that will strengthen the case in court.
The gruesome crime has left the city shaken, a chilling reminder of how greed, betrayal and cold-blooded calculation led three young men to brutally murder a trusting teenager who believed he was among friends.
