Transgenders nab kidnapper, rescue abducted baby girl in Odisha

In a dramatic turn of events, a baby girl who was abducted from Karanjia-Thakurmunda market in Mayurbhanj district three days ago, has been safely rescued on Sunday. As per reports, the rescue operation was carried out by members of the Kinnar Sangha in Jajpur Road after learning about the child's whereabouts.

The child was found at Kachahudi area under Japur Road police station in the company of Lipu Nayak, a person who had disguised himself as a member of the transgender community. 

Deceptive Disguise

The abduction took place during the Basulei Yatra (local fair) on April 17. The suspect reportedly led the child away from the Thakurmunda bus stand, posing as a transgender.

Must Read: Four-year-old child abducted by 'transgender' in Odisha's Mayurbhanj

Based on the mother's formal complaint, Thakurmunda police were able to identify the accused with the aid of CCTV footage.

Arrests and Investigation

The police have detained Lipu Nayak and an accomplice for further questioning. Initial findings indicate that the suspect has no genuine affiliation with the transgender community.

Police are now following up on leads to uncover more details about the motivations behind the abduction, ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.

"We have rescued the child from two male persons who are not actually transgenders. They used to beg in guise of transgenders. We strongly condemn their act," said Kajal Nayak, a member of the Kinnar Sangha in Jajpur Road.

However, accused Lipu Nayak has refuted the charge of child abduction against him.

"The woman left her child near me and never returned. After looking for the child for a long time, I took the child to my home. I was ill and I would have handed over the child to the police after my recovery," said Nayak.