Orissa High Court Mandates Special Task Force for 2023 Kidnapped Girl Case
The Orissa High Court has issued a strong directive to the police authorities over the lack of substantial progress in tracing a two-and-a-half-year-old girl who was allegedly kidnapped in December 2023. In a significant move, the court has ordered the Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) to constitute a Special Task Force (STF) and personally monitor the ongoing investigation to ensure swift action.
Court Expresses Dissatisfaction Over Prolonged Investigation
Issuing the direction on February 23, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman voiced clear dissatisfaction with the prolonged pendency of the habeas corpus plea filed by the child's parent. The bench emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "It is a sordid state of affair that since 2023, the instant writ petition in the nature of habeas corpus is pending before this court and despite several directions having passed from time to time, the minor girl, who is allegedly kidnapped, has not been rescued."
Considering the limited headway in the probe, the court asserted that the time had come for the SP, Puri, to take personal initiative by forming an STF within one week of the order's communication. The SP has also been directed to review the steps taken by the STF and issue necessary directions as warranted, in addition to filing a progress report before the next hearing scheduled for March 16, 2026.
Child's Welfare Paramount, No Complacency Allowed
Stressing that the child's welfare was of utmost importance, the court added, "We are concerned with the welfare of the child and no complacency can be shown in this regard." The bench noted that earlier orders had required the investigating team to either rescue the girl or ascertain her whereabouts. However, no tangible outcome has been reported to date.
On a previous hearing date, police informed the court that a girl had been rescued by the Airfield police station in Bhubaneswar, but she was later identified as someone else and not the petitioner's daughter, highlighting the challenges in the investigation.
Details of the Alleged Kidnapping Incident
According to case records, the child was allegedly kidnapped while her mother was selling tender coconuts outside a hotel in Puri in December 2023. Around 6:20 PM, a man and a woman arrived in a car. While the man engaged the mother in conversation over buying coconuts, the woman allegedly picked up the child from near the vehicle and fled the scene, leaving the family in distress.
Investigation Status and Ongoing Efforts
A status report filed in February 2024 indicated that three vehicles were shortlisted based on CCTV footage, including one with a Jharkhand registration number. Police are continuing their investigation into another suspected vehicle, while the child's photograph has been widely circulated in an effort to trace her and bring her back to safety.
The court's directive underscores the urgent need for a more focused and effective investigative approach to resolve this distressing case and ensure the child's safe return.
