- 5-year-old found injured at ISBT, police continue hunt for accused
Bhopal: Late Wednesday night, a five-year-old girl was kidnapped from outside the 1100 Quarter Temple in Habibganj area. The incident occurred around 9:30 pm, prompting immediate action from the police after her family reported her missing. A citywide alert was issued, and search operations were launched at bus stands, railway stations, and other key locations.
The child was found at ISBT Govindpura around 4:30 am on Thursday. According to police, the accused panicked upon seeing increased police activity and abandoned the girl before fleeing. The child was then taken into custody and rushed for medical care.
A medical examination was conducted at JP Hospital under heavy police presence. Doctors reported visible signs of assault, including injuries on her face and head, and possible suffocation marks. She is currently being treated for pneumonia and remains under observation.
No evidence of sexual assault
Though physical injuries were confirmed, no evidence of sexual assault has been found yet. Counseling sessions are underway to support the child and determine the full extent of the trauma she experienced. She remains frightened and mostly silent, making it difficult for authorities to gather information immediately.
Habibganj police have registered a case against an unknown suspect and are reviewing CCTV footage from multiple locations to identify the accused. Station in-charge Sanjeev Chouksey confirmed that the girl is now safe, and efforts to locate the kidnapper are ongoing.
