Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 5: Mumbai Police rescued a 16-year-old girl within 24 hours after she allegedly left her home carrying nearly Rs 10 lakh in cash and travelled towards Rajasthan under the influence of persons she had befriended online.

The case came to light after the girl's family filed a missing-person complaint at JJ Marg police station, prompting an intensive search operation. Investigators suspect cyber fraudsters were guiding the teenager through social media, particularly Instagram, and directing her movements throughout the journey.

Acting swiftly, Mumbai Police coordinated with Gujarat Police and launched a search along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway. After checking several buses over a four-hour period, officers successfully traced the girl on a Rajasthan-bound bus and brought her to safety.

Police believe the Class X student was in regular contact with unknown individuals online and are now investigating whether she was being targeted by a cyber fraud network.

Authorities are examining the identities of those who communicated with the teenager, their motives and whether there was an attempt to financially exploit or recruit the minor.

Investigators are also probing whether more individuals were involved in coordinating her travel.

The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over online grooming, cyber fraud and the risks faced by teenagers through social media and online gaming platforms. Police have urged parents to closely monitor their children's online activities and educate them about digital safety.