In a significant breakthrough, Odisha Police have apprehended the prime suspect in the harrowing abduction and murder of a nine-year-old girl from Bengaluru's Whitefield area. The arrest in Odisha concludes a tense, four-day multi-state manhunt that had gripped the city.
The Crime That Shook Whitefield
The incident unfolded on the evening of March 10, 2025. The young victim was playing near her residence in the Kundalahalli area of Whitefield when she was lured and taken away. Her family reported her missing after she failed to return home, triggering immediate concern and a police search.
The girl's body was discovered the following day, March 11, in a stormwater drain near Kundalahalli. The grim find confirmed the worst fears and transformed the missing person's case into a murder investigation. Preliminary findings pointed to a brutal assault.
A Pan-India Manhunt and Arrest
Bengaluru police, upon identifying a suspect, traced his movements out of Karnataka. Investigative efforts revealed the accused had fled to his native state of Odisha. Acting on a specific tip, a coordinated operation was launched.
On March 14, personnel from the Odisha Police Special Task Force (STF) successfully located and arrested the suspect in the Nayagarh district. The arrest was made based on intelligence shared by the Bengaluru Police, showcasing inter-state cooperation. The accused, whose identity has been withheld, is currently in police custody and will be transferred to Bengaluru for further legal proceedings.
Confession and Motive
During initial interrogation by the Odisha STF, the accused reportedly confessed to the crime. While a detailed motive is still under investigation, preliminary information suggests the abduction was premeditated. Authorities are probing all angles, including any prior acquaintance with the victim's family.
The swift arrest has brought a measure of relief to the traumatized community in Whitefield, a major IT hub that has been repeatedly troubled by safety concerns. The case has once again highlighted the vulnerability of children in urban spaces and the critical need for vigilant community policing.
The investigation continues as Bengaluru police prepare to take custody of the accused for a thorough probe and to build a watertight case for prosecution. The tragic event has sparked renewed calls for enhanced safety measures in residential neighborhoods and around public spaces frequented by children.
