WE are shocked and horrified at the kidnap and murder of a nine-year-old boy for ransom by a member of a law enforcement agency in Sylhet. The police constable, who confessed to the crime, was apparently known to the victim's family and was a tenant at their house until about three months ago. The body of the fourth grader was found in the attic of the constable's house on Saturday night, four days after he was abducted.

There can be no doubt that the abduction and murder of a child is amongst the most atrocious crimes one can conceive of. Incidents of child kidnapping and murders are always deeply troubling; but they are even more so when the heinous act is committed by someone who is responsible for ensuring the safety of our children. According to the perpetrator's confessional statement, the child was killed after he recognised the policeman, which only goes to ascertain the ruthless and perverse mentality of the said law enforcement member. Such incidents can only dwindle public confidence in the police to a new abyss. 

Although the police recovered his body too late, it is assuring that they took immediate steps to arrest the abductor and his accomplices and brought them to justice. Unless the culprits, whoever they are, are handed down exemplary punishment, cases of child kidnapping for ransom will continue.