Bareilly (UP): The body of a minor boy was discovered stuffed inside a metal box near bushes under the Nakatia river bridge along the Delhi–Lucknow National Highway in Bareilly’s Izzatnagar area on Tuesday, police said.

Locals alerted authorities after noticing a foul smell emanating from the box. “When the box was opened, the body of a boy was recovered. Initial signs suggest he may have been killed elsewhere and dumped here,” said ASP City Manush Parikh.

A forensic team was called to the scene, and crucial evidence, including a blanket and packets of snacks and biscuits, was recovered. Investigators suspect the child, aged around 8–10, may have been lured with snacks before being killed.

SSP Anurag Arya has formed four teams to investigate the case, which is being probed from multiple angles, including murder, kidnapping, and possible occult-related activity, as certain items found in the box raised suspicion. CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined, and missing-person reports in surrounding localities are under review. Efforts to establish the child’s identity are ongoing, and the post-mortem will determine the exact cause of death.