Kidnapped Toddler Rescued from Balasore, Woman Detained for Alleged Purchase

Bhubaneswar: In a swift operation, the Commissionerate Police rescued an 18-month-old baby boy who was allegedly kidnapped near Ram Mandir in Bhubaneswar late Saturday night. The child was traced to Balasore and safely recovered, officials confirmed.

According to police sources, a woman identified as Jelam Rani Panda has been detained for allegedly buying the abducted child. However, the man who kidnapped the boy remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him.

The child’s mother, 25-year-old Jayanti Mallick, who is visually impaired, had lodged a complaint following the incident. A resident of Kanya Ashram in Niladri Vihar, Jayanti often visits Ram Mandir with her son and five-year-old daughter to seek alms. On Saturday night, due to heavy rain, she was unable to return to the ashram and decided to stay near the temple.

Around 1:30 am, an unidentified man reportedly offered juice to the baby and suddenly snatched him from Jayanti’s arms before fleeing the spot. Acting on her complaint, police launched an intensive investigation. CCTV footage later revealed the accused heading towards the Bhubaneswar Railway Station with the child.

Based on surveillance inputs and tracking efforts, the police located the child in Balasore and safely rescued him.

The incident has sparked concerns about child safety and trafficking, with police assuring that a manhunt is underway to nab the main accused and further investigation is in progress.