Daijiworld Media Network - Porbandar
Porbandar, Jul 18: An 11-month-old baby who was allegedly abducted to be used for begging was rescued within hours by police in Gujarat's Porbandar district, leading to the arrest of four persons, including a woman, officials said.
The incident came to light on Thursday evening when the child's mother lodged a complaint alleging that three men and a woman had snatched her infant and fled. Acting swiftly, police launched a coordinated search operation and traced the accused within four to five hours.
Porbandar Deputy Superintendent of Police Ritu Raba said multiple teams were formed immediately after the complaint was received. Investigators relied on technical surveillance, CCTV footage and other leads to track the suspects.
The trail led police to a bus in which the accused were attempting to flee. With assistance from the Porbandar Local Crime Branch (LCB), Veraval LCB, personnel from Kirtimandir and Kamalabagh police stations, and staff at the state transport depot, police intercepted the vehicle and rescued the infant.
The child was found unharmed and was reunited with his mother soon after the rescue.
During the investigation, police found that the accused had allegedly targeted the woman after learning about her vulnerable circumstances. Officials said her husband had died about a month ago and she had no immediate support from either her parental or in-laws' family.
Police said the accused allegedly believed the woman would be unable to seek legal help or pursue a complaint, making her an easy target. Taking advantage of her situation, they allegedly abducted the child and attempted to flee.
The mother initially sought help from bystanders but received no assistance. She then approached the police, who immediately registered the complaint and launched the rescue operation.
During preliminary interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed that they had kidnapped the infant with the intention of using him for begging, police said.
All four accused have been taken into police custody. Investigators are examining whether the group was involved in similar offences or had links to a larger child exploitation and forced begging racket.
Police said the swift rescue was made possible through coordinated efforts by multiple units and the rapid use of surveillance and tracking tools. The incident has raised concerns over the exploitation of vulnerable families and the use of children in organised begging rackets.