In a remarkable display of investigative persistence, the Mumbra police in Thane successfully cracked a distressing kidnapping case involving a 3-month-old infant, culminating in the arrest of three individuals. The breakthrough in this six-day intensive operation hinged on a single, poignant word painted on an autorickshaw, which became the pivotal clue that unraveled the mystery.
Operation Details and the Critical Breakthrough
The incident unfolded on the evening of January 22, near DCB Bank on Khadima-Machine Road. Farzana Mansuri, a 23-year-old mother, was crossing the road with her two daughters when a woman clad in a burkha offered to hold her 3-month-old baby, Afiya Khatun Shahrukh Ali. In a moment of distraction, the woman vanished into the crowded locality, leaving the family in anguish.
Launching a massive search operation, the police, under the guidance of Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre, deployed four special teams. Over the course of six days, investigators meticulously scanned over 1,600 CCTV cameras across the area, piecing together the suspect's movements. It was during this exhaustive review that footage revealed the suspect fleeing in an autorickshaw bearing the word "Aai"—meaning "mother" in Marathi—painted on its exterior.
Arrests and Recovery of the Infant
This seemingly minor detail proved to be the linchpin of the investigation. Leveraging technical surveillance and the autorickshaw clue, the police traced the suspects to their hideouts. The prime accused, identified as Nasrin Sheikh, a resident of Mumbra, was apprehended first. Her interrogation led the authorities to two other individuals: Mohammad Mujib Gulab, aged 31, and his wife, Khairunnisa, aged 30, who had been handed over the kidnapped infant.
The operation culminated in the safe recovery of baby Afiya, bringing immense relief to her family and the community. The police have commended the coordinated efforts of the teams and the use of advanced surveillance techniques in solving this sensitive case.
Community Impact and Police Response
This case highlights the critical role of community vigilance and technological aids in modern policing. The swift action by the Mumbra police not only ensured the infant's safety but also sent a strong message against such heinous crimes. Authorities have urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities, emphasizing that even small clues, like the word on an autorickshaw, can lead to significant breakthroughs in investigations.
