Nagpur Toddler Rescued from Parked Bus After Dramatic Night-Long Hunt
A tense and exhaustive five-hour night-long search operation in Nagpur district culminated in a dramatic rescue early Saturday morning, as a two-year-old girl, feared to have been kidnapped, was found safe and unharmed inside a parked bus. The massive effort involved police, villagers, and local communities scouring the Kalmeshwar area after the toddler went missing on Friday evening.
Accused Found Passed Out Beside Child in Drunken State
The accused, identified as 27-year-old Mukesh Dhurve, a migrant laborer from Madhya Pradesh, was apprehended at the scene. He was discovered in a deep, drunken stupor, curled up beside the child on the bus. Police reported that Dhurve, who is childless, had formed a bond with the minor, which allegedly facilitated him taking her away. He has since been arrested and is facing charges under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for kidnapping.
Panic Erupts as Child Goes Missing in Kotwal Bardi Colony
The unsettling drama unfolded between 7 pm and 8 pm on Friday in Kotwal Bardi Colony, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Kalmeshwar Police Station. Dhurve, who resides in the same colony, approached the toddler's mother with an offer to rock the child or take her out to play, promising a swift return. However, as hours elapsed with no sign of either Dhurve or the child, panic quickly spread through the family and community.
A frantic search of the immediate area by the family proved futile, prompting them to dial the emergency 112 helpline around 10 pm. This triggered an immediate and robust police response.
Massive Police Mobilization and Multi-District Search Launched
Superintendent of Police for Nagpur rural, Harssh A Poddar, swiftly mobilized multiple specialized teams into action. Personnel from the Kalmeshwar police station, Nagpur Rural police, the Local Crime Branch, and village wardens (police patil) were all deployed to locate the missing girl.
While Additional SP Anil Mhaske monitored the overall situation from a command center, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Sagar Kharde took direct charge of the field operations. A comprehensive search strategy was implemented:
- Checkpoints and Vehicle Searches: Authorities established checkpoints on major highways and conducted thorough inspections of buses, motorcycles, and carrier vehicles.
- Expanded Geographical Reach: The search perimeter was dramatically widened to include neighbouring districts such as Amravati, Wardha, Chandrapur, and Bhandara. It even extended into Madhya Pradesh, covering Seoni, Pandhurna, Chhindwara, and Dhurve's native Dindori district.
- Surveillance Review: Teams were dispatched to Nagpur railway station and the Ganeshpeth bus stand to scrutinize CCTV footage for any clues.
Community Rallies with Torches and WhatsApp Alerts
As news of the missing child spread, the local community sprang into action. The child's photograph was rapidly circulated through various WhatsApp groups, mobilizing residents who joined the official search parties. Armed with torches and headlamps, they combed through fields, drains, temples, and all surrounding areas throughout the night, demonstrating a powerful collective effort.
Dramatic Discovery in Early Morning Hours
Meanwhile, Dhurve, in an inebriated state, had wandered on foot with the child for approximately 6 to 7 kilometers. Sources indicate that he eventually entered an empty, parked bus belonging to a company in Dorli village, Kalmeshwar. He reportedly grabbed a shawl from a nearby parked motorcycle to wrap around the toddler before both fell asleep.
The breakthrough came around 6 am on Saturday when the bus driver arrived for his shift. He was shocked to find a man and a young child asleep inside. A photograph of Dhurve and the toddler, which had gone viral on social media and messaging platforms during the search, helped the driver immediately recognize them. He promptly alerted the police.
Safe Reunion and Medical Clearance
Police officers rushed to the location, where they apprehended Dhurve, who was still intoxicated, and safely rescued the toddler. The young girl appeared stunned but showed no visible signs of injury or acute distress. She was taken for a thorough medical examination, which confirmed she had suffered no sexual or physical assault.
In an emotional moment, the child was reunited with her overwhelmed mother, who broke down in tears of profound relief and gratitude. The police are currently interrogating Dhurve to ascertain his precise motive and to determine if he has any prior criminal history.
