Kataka: A seven-year-old girl who was allegedly kidnapped from Kataka railway station on Saturday (August 29) was rescued safely by Commissionerate Police on Monday (August 31), bringing relief to her family. An elderly man suspected of being involved in the abduction has been detained for questioning.
The girl was rescued from the Balikuda area of Kataka following an intensive search operation jointly conducted by Commissionerate Police, Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
Police launched a massive search after the minor went missing from Kataka railway station while she was waiting to board a train with her maternal grandparents. Ten teams were reportedly formed to trace the girl and identify the person suspected of taking her.
According to police, investigators examined CCTV footage from the railway station and surrounding areas, besides analysing technical inputs to track the movements of the suspect. The footage reportedly showed the girl walking with an elderly man after she went missing.
Acting on the leads generated during the investigation, police traced the suspect to the Balikuda area and rescued the girl safely on Monday. The elderly man, who is reportedly a resident of the Balikuda area, was detained and is being questioned by police.
The girl was found to be in good health. Following her rescue, police informed her family and handed her over to the CWC as per procedure. She will be reunited with her family after undergoing a medical examination, reports said.
The incident came to light on Saturday afternoon when the girl allegedly disappeared from Kataka railway station. Her maternal grandparents, who are residents of the Aul area of Kendrapara district, had brought her to Kataka and were waiting to board a train to Palalahada in Anugola district.
When they realised that the girl was missing, the grandparents searched the railway station and nearby areas but could not trace her. They subsequently approached the GRP, which allegedly directed them to approach Chauliaganj police.
The girl’s grandmother later lodged a missing complaint with Chauliaganj police.
Following the complaint, police began examining CCTV footage and analysing other technical inputs. After a two-day search, police finally traced the girl and rescued her safely from Balikuda on Monday.
Further investigation is underway.
