Six-Year-Old Kidnapped in Harishchandrapur, Rescued Within Hours

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, December 22, 2024, Kolkata: A six-year-old girl, Afroza, was reportedly abducted in a shocking incident in Salalpur village under Harishchandrapur police station in Malda district. The minor was playing with friends near her home when two men on a motorbike, both wearing helmets, allegedly kidnapped her. The absence of a number plate on the motorbike added to the complexity of the case. Alarmed locals raised the alarm and pursued the bikers but were unable to stop them.

The incident triggered widespread panic in the community, with Afroza’s parents, Mala Bibi and Raju Sheikh, distraught and unable to comprehend the reason for the abduction. Harishchandrapur police swiftly initiated an extensive search operation after being informed at 11:30 am. The case took a decisive turn when images of the kidnappers, captured on nearby CCTV cameras, were shared with police in neighboring districts and with Bihar authorities.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the abductors had planned to take the child to Bihar but altered their route due to increased vigilance at the Bengal-Bihar border. The police tracked the suspects using the location of a mobile phone used to threaten Afroza’s father. The motorbike was eventually intercepted at the Tungidighi check post under Karandighi police station in Uttar Dinajpur district.

In a dramatic turn of events, the kidnappers abandoned Afroza, who suffered minor injuries, and tried to flee. However, the police apprehended them after a brief chase. The accused were identified as Izhad Ahmed and Mansur Alam, residents of Gangadinha village in Harishchandrapur. Ahmed is a medicine shop owner, while Alam is involved in land dealings.

Malda district Superintendent of Police Pradeep Kumar Yadav confirmed that the two men were under interrogation to determine the motive behind the kidnapping. The arrested individuals will be presented before the Malda district court and have been remanded in police custody for 14 days to facilitate further investigation.

Afroza, who is now recovering from minor leg injuries, was provided with immediate medical care. The coordinated efforts of Harishchandrapur and Karandighi police stations, along with contributions from Raiganj, Islampur, and Bihar police, were instrumental in the child’s rescue. This swift operation has brought relief to the anxious family and community, though the motive remains unclear as investigations continue.

The incident underscores the critical role of community vigilance and prompt police action in addressing such heinous crimes.