Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 19: Quick thinking by a resident helped prevent a suspected child abduction attempt at a housing society in Vikhroli on Wednesday night.

According to police, the incident occurred around 9 pm when Mohammad Zakaria Qamar Naeem Shamsi (21), a resident of a local housing complex in the area, noticed suspicious activity while stepping out of his building. He saw an unfamiliar man holding the hand of a seven-year-old girl and allegedly trying to lead her away. At the same time, the man was also seen attempting to lure another minor from a nearby garden where several children were playing.

Sensing something was wrong, Shamsi immediately raised an alarm. Startled, the suspect tried to escape, but Shamsi, along with two others present at the spot, managed to detain him and alerted fellow residents.

The accused was later identified as Suraj Prasad Banwasi, also known as Sarjuprasad Keshulal Banwasi, a native of Madhya Pradesh.

Residents questioned the man on the spot, but his inconsistent and unclear answers heightened suspicions about his intentions. The police were promptly informed and arrived shortly after, taking the accused into custody.

An official stated that the suspect has been arrested and produced before a court, with police seeking his custody for further investigation. During initial questioning, the accused denied any intent to abduct the children, but officers said he has been unable to provide a convincing explanation for his actions.