'Fake godmen' detained over child abduction bid in Odisha’s Sambalpur

A disturbing child abduction attempt was reported from Bhaliabeda village under Rengali police limits in Sambalpur district, on Tuesday, where nine men posing as Babas (godmen) allegedly tried to abduct a schoolboy into a car in broad daylight.

Also Read: Horror in Bhubaneswar; 8-year-old boy kidnapped at gunpoint, rescued within hours by police

According to sources, the incident occurred around midday when a group of schoolchildren was walking through the village. All of a sudden, two cars approached, and several men—described as non-Odia and dressed in religious robes—attempted to drag a child into one of the vehicles.

Fortunately, one of the boy’s friends reacted quickly, pulling him away from the car just in time. The accused failed to abduct the child and quickly fled the scene.

When the children reported the incident to their families and school authorities, villagers launched a search operation. Their efforts led them to a nearby ashram, from where the nine suspects were apprehended and handed over to the police.

Police have confirmed the detention of all nine suspects, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the motive and whether this group is linked to any larger child trafficking network.

No statements have been made yet by either the police or the detained individuals.

Earlier in another incident, an 8-year-old boy was allegedly kidnapped in broad daylight from Bhubaneswar. He was successfully rescued on April 22 by the police within a few hours of the abduction.

The kidnapping had sent shockwaves across the Capital City, especially due to the bold and brazen manner in which it was carried out.

The minor boy was kidnapped at gunpoint near Panchagaon under the Airfield police limits. Eyewitnesses stated that the kidnappers had forcibly pulled the boy into a car, threatening him with a firearm aimed at his head, before speeding away from the scene.