Athani Police Crack Down on Minor Kidnapping Case
Athani police have made significant progress in a disturbing case involving the abduction of a minor girl. Officers arrested three accused individuals, including a young man from Athani, on serious charges. The arrests followed a complaint filed by the girl's mother, who reported her daughter's forcible abduction.
Details of the Arrests and Rescue Operation
Police identified the main accused as Iqbal Aminsab Sheikh, a 21-year-old resident of Athani. Originally from Chikkatti village in Athani taluk, Sheikh faced arrest on January 15 in Bengaluru. Authorities allege he abducted the girl from Athani town on January 11. He then took her to Bengaluru, where they stayed until police intervention.
Two other youths also found themselves in custody for assisting Sheikh. Sridhar Pattar, aged 26 and from Chikkatti, and Rohit Santosh Khadri, a 19-year-old from Siddharth Nagar in Athani, were arrested alongside the primary suspect. All three now face serious legal consequences for their alleged actions.
The Complaint and Police Investigation
The girl's mother approached Athani police station on January 10 with a formal complaint. She reported that unknown persons had forcibly taken her daughter from Shivayogi Nagar in Athani town. The abductors used a speeding vehicle and lured the girl with promises of love and marriage.
Importantly, the complaint highlighted the girl's minor status. Although she would turn 18 on January 26, she remained legally a minor at the time of the incident. This detail proved crucial for the investigation and subsequent charges.
Athani police responded swiftly by forming a special investigation team. This dedicated unit worked tirelessly to locate the missing girl. Their efforts paid off on January 15 when they found her in Bengaluru. Officers promptly rescued the minor and brought her back to Athani, reuniting her with her relieved parents.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Based on the rescued girl's statement, police arrested Iqbal Sheikh as the main accused. The investigation revealed his involvement in the kidnapping scheme. All three accused now face charges under multiple legal provisions.
Authorities have booked them for kidnapping a minor and under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. These are serious offenses that carry severe penalties under Indian law. Following their arrest, the court sent all three accused to judicial custody.
Athani police station has officially registered the case. The investigation continues as officers gather additional evidence and statements. This case serves as a reminder of law enforcement's commitment to protecting vulnerable minors in our society.
