Two minors, aged 16 and 17, have been detained for allegedly murdering their 13-year-old neighbour over a petty dispute about a month ago, after his body was found on the premises of Vibhutipura lake on October 12.

The victim, Arafath, a class 7 school dropout, was allegedly attacked with stones by the duo following a confrontation near the lake on the evening of October 4, the police said.

According to the police, the murder was allegedly triggered by an argument that broke out about a month ago after a two-wheeler was blocked. The dispute involved Arafath, his brother and one of the accused. The accused allegedly held a grudge against the boy and repeatedly picked fights with him following the incident.

On October 4, when Arafath was near Vibhutipura Lake, the two minors allegedly waited for him and confronted him. During the altercation, the boy reportedly threatened to bring his elder brother to beat them up and attempted to flee.

Fearing repercussions, the duo allegedly chased him and attacked him with stones. Arafath collapsed following the assault. The accused then allegedly dropped a large stone on his face, killing him on the spot, before fleeing, the police said.

His body was subsequently found on the lake premises on October 12, prompting the police to investigate the murder and identify the suspects.

The police said all three boys were school dropouts.