New Delhi

A 13-year-old boy was allegedly murdered in south Delhi’s Bhati Mines area, with preliminary investigations indicating death by strangulation, police said on Wednesday.

The victim, a Class 9 student, had reportedly left home on Tuesday evening to play with his friends but failed to return, prompting his family to approach the police and lodge a missing complaint.

During a search operation launched by the police, the boy’s body was later discovered in a forested area nearby.

A police official said initial findings suggest the boy was strangled, while investigators are working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the motive behind the crime.

Sources said two juveniles are currently being questioned in connection with the case.

The incident sparked anger among local residents and the victim’s family, who staged a protest outside the Sanjay Colony police post and briefly blocked traffic, demanding immediate action against those responsible.

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Police officials later intervened, calmed the protesters, and restored normalcy in the area.