More than two months have passed since 14-year-old son of Jayakrishna Kumar Yadav, a resident of Babhangamakatti in ward 6 of Tilathi Koiladi, Saptari, went missing, and he said he has been searching day and night without success.

Jayakrishna’s son, Aman Kumar, had gone to visit a fair in Bhardaha, Hanumannagar, in ward 1 of Kankalini Municipality, on the afternoon of February 2. When he failed to return by late evening, the family began searching. Despite combing all possible locations, the boy has yet to be found, the family said.

The family recently organised a press conference to appeal for help in locating their son. During the event, Jayakrishna accused his neighbours, Ramdev and Kari Yadav, of conspiring to “disappear” the boy.

“Four days before my son went missing, Ramdev and Kari told me to either give them 10,000 rupees or transfer ownership of one bigha (72,900 square feet) of land, otherwise they would kidnap and kill my son,” Jayakrishna claimed. “How could I give them all the land I own?” He said his son disappeared exactly four days after the threats.

Jayakrishna further said that when he initially questioned them about his son, Ramdev and Kari told him they were holding the boy in the Koshi Palar area. He alleged they used the opportunity to repeat their demands regarding the land transfer.

“I filed an application with the police on February 5 to help find him,” he said. “The police questioned them, but my son was not found.” He said that when he attempted to file a formal First Information Report on April 2, police told the family to find the boy themselves and bring him in. With no other option, he said he turned to the media.

In response, Ramdev said he learned about the boy’s disappearance only 10 to 12 days ago. “I am being falsely accused,” he said. “I have not asked Jayakrishna for money or land, and I have told the police the same in my statement.”

The other accused, Kari, could not be reached for comment. According to local residents, he is currently in India.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Dambar Bahadur Puri, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Saptari, said a circular with the boy’s description has been issued and the search is ongoing.

“Following information from the family, we have circulated his details to subordinate units, but a formal FIR has not yet reached us,” he said. “We are aware that they have submitted an application to the District Administration naming two individuals and alleging kidnapping.”

Puri said further investigation into the case is underway.