The recent kidnapping of three Class 6 students from a prominent Shimla boarding school has sent shockwaves through the community, with details emerging about the boys' harrowing 24-hour ordeal. The students, Angad from Karnal, Hitendra from Mohali, and Vidansh from Kullu, went missing on a Saturday during their weekly school outing. What started as a normal day took a sinister turn when they were abducted shortly after leaving the school premises.
According to reports, the kidnapper, Sumit Sood, a 45-year-old alumnus of Bishop Cotton School (BCS), exploited his familiarity with the school's environment and routines. Sood allegedly offered the boys a ride near the Vigilance office in Khalini, close to the school, before driving them towards upper Shimla instead of the popular Mall Road. He used a Hyundai i10 with a fake Delhi registration number to carry out the crime.
The families' nightmare began when the boys failed to return to school by 5 p.m., prompting the school authorities to alert the police. A case of kidnapping was registered, and a massive search operation was launched, involving around 150 police personnel, cyber teams, and even drones. CCTV footage revealed the children boarding the suspicious vehicle, which became a crucial lead in the investigation.
As the search intensified, the kidnapper made contact with the families, with threat calls placed from an international number. The parents of the children, who hail from influential families, rushed to Shimla and were in constant contact with the police.
Meanwhile, the abducted boys were held captive in a partially constructed four-story house in Kotkhai, about 60 km from Shimla. Details of their confinement paint a disturbing picture. While specific details about blindfolds and tied hands haven't been widely reported, some reports indicate that the children were handcuffed and their mouths taped. Amidst the fear and uncertainty, the children were given pizza and paranthas.
The breakthrough in the case came through a combination of diligent police work and community assistance. A local youth, Raunak from Kotkhai, recognized the vehicle from the CCTV footage and alerted the police. This crucial tip led the authorities to Sumit Sood's location in Chaithla village, Kotkhai.
On Sunday, within 24 hours of the kidnapping, the police successfully rescued the three boys from the house where they were being held. Sumit Sood was arrested and charged with kidnapping. Police investigations revealed that Sood, who had incurred significant financial losses in the stock market, planned the kidnapping to extort ransom from the families. Sharp weapons were recovered from his house, indicating the potential danger the children were in.
Following their rescue, the children underwent medical examinations and were reunited with their relieved families. SP Shimla Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi lauded the swift teamwork and the use of CCTV and cyber investigation tools in cracking the case. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also praised the police for their prompt action, emphasizing the state's commitment to ensuring the safety of its children.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety of students and the need for increased vigilance. The quick response of the Shimla Police and the crucial role played by the community ensured the safe return of the three boys, bringing an end to a terrifying ordeal.
