Pune: A kidnapped eight-year-old boy was rescued within two hours by the Anti-Extortion Squad after a swift police operation in Chinchwad. The accused, identified as Gajanan Supda Panpatil (25, from Buldhana district), was arrested. However, the motive behind the kidnapping remains unclear.
The child’s mother filed a police complaint at Chinchwad Police Station on April 1, following which a rapid investigation was launched. The victim’s parents, originally from Buldhana, had recently moved to Pimpri-Chinchwad for work. The accused, Gajanan Panpatil, was a friend of the boy’s stepfather’s brother. He had also come to the city in search of work but had failed to find employment.
Since the child’s parents worked during the day, he was often left at home alone. The accused befriended the child by giving him food and treats. A few days earlier, Panpatil had attempted to take the boy away, but the mother had intervened and stopped him. However, on March 31 at 5 PM, the accused successfully kidnapped the child.
The boy’s mother reported the kidnapping at Chinchwad Police Station on April 1. As soon as the Anti-Extortion Squad received the information, they analyzed CCTV footage, obtained the suspect’s image, and tracked his mobile number. Through technical surveillance, they discovered that the accused was traveling with the kidnapped boy by train.
Rescue Mission on Kashi Express
The police immediately coordinated with the Bhusawal Police Station, Railway Protection Force (RPF), and other nearby police units. Railway police, using CCTV footage, identified the suspect onboard Kashi Express. He was detained, and the kidnapped boy was rescued safely.
Officers Sunil Badane, Pradeep Pote, and Dnyaneshwar Kurade from the Anti-Extortion Squad traveled to Chalisgaon Police Station and took custody of the accused. The boy is from the mother’s first marriage and lives with his mother and stepfather.