Bengaluru Woman Left with Abandoned Toddler After Stranger's False Promise
A routine shopping excursion in Bengaluru turned into a distressing ordeal for a 50-year-old woman when a stranger entrusted her with a toddler under false pretenses, only to vanish without a trace. The incident, which unfolded at KR Market, has sparked a police investigation into child abandonment under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
An Unexpected Encounter at KR Market
According to a complaint filed by Radha, a resident of Prakash Nagar, she had ventured out with her sister Parvati on the evening of April 9 to purchase flowers, fruits, and vegetables from the bustling KR Market. After completing their initial shopping around 7 p.m., the sisters reached a nearby shelter known as Neravu. Feeling fatigued, Radha decided to rest there while Parvati returned to the market to buy additional fruits.
It was at this moment that an unidentified man, clad in a lungi and carrying a young child, approached Radha. He politely requested her to hold the toddler briefly, explaining that he needed to retrieve his luggage and would return shortly. Trusting his words, Radha accepted the child, but the man walked away and never came back.
The Growing Realization and Police Involvement
Initially unaware of the man's true intentions, Radha waited patiently. However, as time passed without his return, she grew increasingly concerned. When her sister Parvati rejoined her with the fruits, the two women searched the area frantically for the stranger. Failing to locate him, they made the decision to take the toddler to the City Market police station for assistance.
At the station, Radha and Parvati recounted the unsettling events to the officers. The police attempted to communicate with the boy in various languages, hoping he might provide clues about his identity or that of his parents. During this process, they noticed a peculiar item: a piece of paper wrapped in black plastic thread, tied around the child's neck like an amulet.
A Startling Discovery in a Note
Upon opening the note, the police made a shocking discovery. The message, written in English, explicitly indicated that the man had deliberately abandoned the toddler. This revelation confirmed the sinister nature of the incident, shifting it from a possible misunderstanding to a clear case of child abandonment.
Radha informed the police that she had been feeling dizzy and tired when the stranger approached her, which limited her ability to recall detailed descriptions beyond his attire. The authorities acted swiftly to ensure the child's safety, first conducting a medical examination and then transferring him to Shishu Mandir on Dr Marigowda Road, where he is now under the care of trained staff.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Action
A senior police officer stated that a case has been registered under Section 93 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which addresses the exposure and abandonment of children under 12 years of age. The investigation is currently focused on analysing CCTV footage from the area to gather clues about the man's identity and movements. This proactive approach aims to bring the perpetrator to justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident highlights broader concerns about child safety and abandonment in urban areas, prompting calls for increased vigilance and community awareness. As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to uncovering the full circumstances behind this alarming event.
