Surat Police Rescue 6-Year-Old Girl from Abduction in Pandesara Woods
In a dramatic overnight operation, the Pandesara police in Surat successfully rescued a six-year-old girl from a wooded area on Wednesday morning. The rescue came hours after she was abducted by a 33-year-old man, Pradip Pal alias Bhagat, who allegedly intended to sexually assault her. The incident unfolded on Tuesday evening when the accused lured the child with snacks and chocolates before taking her to a deserted patch behind the Pandesara CETP plant.
Extensive Search Operation Leads to Safe Recovery
According to police reports, the girl was found unharmed as the accused reportedly abandoned his plan out of fear of being caught. A team of nearly 50 policemen, led by assistant commissioner of police (ACP) ZR Desai and Pandesara police inspector KD Jadeja, conducted an extensive overnight search operation to trace the child. The girl lives in Pandesara with her parents and two siblings aged eight and six.
On Tuesday evening, she was playing near her house when her mother had stepped out for work and her father was asleep after finishing his night duty. Around 6.30pm, the accused approached the child, used snacks and chocolates as bait, and took her away. Pal, a father of two daughters, allegedly walked nearly three kilometers with the girl to a deserted area in the woods behind the CETP plant.
Accused's Fear Leads to Abandonment of Plan
Sources revealed that the accused heard movement of people nearby and feared he might be caught if the girl raised an alarm. He considered leaving her near her home but abandoned the idea fearing identification. As night fell, the accused and the child slept at the spot. Police received the complaint from the girl's parents at around 10.30pm and immediately formed teams from Pandesara, Khatodara, and Althan police stations to search for her.
"We examined CCTV footage and gathered human intelligence which suggested the accused had last been seen near Prime Point in Pandesara," ACP Desai stated. "Based on inputs, we traced them. The victim was found safe and the accused was sleeping nearby when we nabbed him."
Medical Examination Confirms No Sexual Assault
Following the rescue, the child underwent a medical examination which ruled out sexual assault, providing relief to her family and the community. The police have arrested Pradip Pal, and further investigations are ongoing to understand the full circumstances of the abduction. This incident highlights the vigilance of law enforcement in responding swiftly to such critical cases and ensuring the safety of vulnerable children.
The successful operation underscores the importance of community cooperation and advanced policing techniques in tackling crimes against minors. Authorities have urged parents to remain cautious and report any suspicious activities immediately to prevent similar incidents in the future.
