Hapur, April 1: A seven-year-old boy was allegedly locked inside a deep freezer for nearly five hours in a village in Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh after being accused of theft, prompting police action and public outrage after a video of the incident surfaced online. Authorities have arrested the accused and initiated legal proceedings. The incident occurred on Tuesday in Sheikhpur Khichra village in the Dhaulana area of Hapur. According to police, the accused, identified as a local workshop owner, suspected the child of stealing items and confined him inside a deep freezer as punishment. A video that later circulated on social media showed the distressed child crying and pleading after being released. The footage triggered widespread concern over the severity of the act and the treatment of the minor.

Police Action and Arrest

Police said they took suo motu cognisance of the incident after the video came to light and registered a case against the accused. He was subsequently arrested and sent to jail. Officials indicated that legal action was initiated under relevant provisions to prevent further offences, and an investigation is ongoing to determine all aspects of the case. Kanpur Shocker: Woman Stripped, Forced Into Naked Tantra Rituals by In-Laws (Watch Video).

Boy Locked in Deep Freezer for 5 Hours in Hapur (Viewer Discretion Advised)

Allegations of Abuse and Threats

Reports indicate that the accused not only confined the child but also verbally abused and threatened him during the incident. The boy, visibly traumatised, was heard denying the theft allegation in the video. The child’s family has demanded strict action against the accused, stating that the boy suffered significant distress during the ordeal. Barabanki Shocker: 21-Year-Old Youth Beheaded in Tikaitnagar, Accused Walks Away With Severed Head to His House.

Broader Concerns

The case has raised serious concerns about child safety and the use of extreme and dangerous forms of punishment. Locking a child inside a freezer poses life-threatening risks, including hypothermia and suffocation. Authorities are expected to continue their investigation while ensuring appropriate legal measures are taken. The incident has also renewed calls for stricter enforcement of child protection laws and community awareness around safeguarding minors.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 01, 2026 04:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).