A fresh case of child theft has surfaced in Jharkhand. The incident was reported from Hazaribagh on Monday. A three-day-old newborn was allegedly kidnapped near Laxmi Petrol Pump. An unidentified woman reportedly took the infant from the mother and fled.
The victim woman is a resident of Bahimar village. The village falls under the Katkamsandi police station area. She had come to Hazaribagh city to consult a doctor for her newborn. The incident occurred while she was near the petrol pump.
According to initial information, the accused woman approached the mother and offered help. She gained the woman’s trust within minutes. She then took the newborn into her arms. Taking advantage of the crowd, she disappeared with the child.
Panic After Infant Goes Missing in Busy Area
Soon after the incident, panic spread in the surrounding area. Local people gathered at the spot. The mother raised an alarm after realizing the child was missing. People immediately informed the police about the incident.
Police reached the location without delay. Officers began questioning local residents and shopkeepers. The area near Laxmi Petrol Pump is usually crowded. Police suspected the accused used this crowd to escape quickly.
Authorities started checking nearby roads. CCTV cameras installed in the area were examined. Police also alerted nearby police stations. Bordering police station areas were placed on high alert.
Police Launch Search Operation Using CCTV Footage
The police treated the matter as serious due to the age of the child. Teams were formed to trace the accused woman. CCTV footage from nearby locations was closely monitored. Police tracked the possible movement of the suspect.
Senior officials supervised the operation. Check posts were informed immediately. Vehicles moving out of the city were checked. The police maintained constant communication between stations.
Initially, the incident raised concerns due to recent child theft cases. Similar incidents were reported earlier in Ranchi. Due to this, police remained cautious and proactive.
Newborn Recovered Within Seven Hours From Chauparan
Due to swift police action, the missing newborn was recovered safely. The child was found within seven hours of the incident. Police traced the child from Chauparan area. The recovery brought relief to the family.
According to information from Lohsinghna police station, the case was not linked to any organized gang. Police clarified that it appeared to be a family-related matter. This information emerged after preliminary investigation.
The accused woman was identified and taken into custody. Police recovered the newborn in a safe condition. Medical examination of the child was conducted after recovery.
Police Rule Out Organized Kidnapping Gang Angle
During early investigation, the incident resembled organized child theft cases. However, police later ruled out gang involvement. Officials said the case involved personal and family-related issues.
Police stated that the matter was initially misunderstood. The quick recovery helped clarify the situation. Authorities are continuing the investigation to establish all facts.
The woman involved is being questioned in detail. Police are verifying her background and motives. Legal action will be taken based on investigation findings.
Authorities Urge Caution and Public Awareness
Police have advised citizens to remain alert in crowded areas. Mothers with infants have been urged to be cautious. Officials warned against trusting strangers easily.
Authorities also requested people to report suspicious activities immediately. Public cooperation helped in quick recovery of the child. Police appreciated the role of locals and timely information.
The incident has raised concerns about child safety in public places. Police said regular patrolling will be increased. Surveillance near crowded locations may also be strengthened.
