Raipur
The Seventh Sessions Judge Court of Raipur has sentenced Panchram Gendre to death for kidnapping and burning a 4-year-old boy alive in Raipur’s Urla area two-and-a-half years ago. Panchram committed the crime to punish the child’s mother, with whom he was infatuated, but who did not reciprocate or even interact with him.
The District and Additional Sessions Judge noted, “Such individuals are unfit to live in society.” During the trial, Panchram repeatedly lied. He had also plotted to kill the victim’s elder brother, but the latter refused to accompany him, saving his life.
Two years ago, Panchram kidnapped 4-year-old Harsh and burned him alive. The gruesome act stemmed from his obsession with Harsh’s mother. On the day of the sentencing, Panchram stood with folded hands in court as the judge pronounced the verdict. Following the announcement, he left his slippers outside the courtroom before being taken to Raipur Central Jail.
When questioned after the sentencing, Panchram continued to deny his involvement, claiming, “I did nothing. The police framed me. Harsh was with me for breakfast, but I didn’t kill him.”
The court relied heavily on the testimony of Harsh’s elder brother, Divyansh, whose account was crucial. Initially fearful of Panchram’s presence in the courtroom, Divyansh later shared the complete details of the incident.
The kidnapping occurred on April 5, 2022, when Panchram lured Harsh, whom he often took on bike rides, into accompanying him. Trusting him, no one stopped the boy. Panchram took Harsh to Bemetara, where he burned the child alive in a cremation ground.
Later, Panchram sold his bike for Rs 15,000 in Bhilai and fled to Nagpur, where he was eventually arrested. During interrogation, his obsession with the boy’s mother and his motive behind the crime came to light.
