Puttur: A case has been registered at the Uppinangady police station after four to five men allegedly attempted to lure two minor boys into a car while they were returning home after playing at a school ground in Adyal, Hirebandadi village, near Uppinangady.
The incident reportedly occurred when the two boys, residents of the Mudipu and Kadyottu areas of Hirebandadi, were walking home after spending the holiday playing at the school ground.
Men allegedly offered boys a lift
According to the complaint filed with the police, the boys were walking through Adyal when they noticed a car parked on the roadside. A group of four to five men was reportedly inside or near the vehicle.
The men allegedly approached the children and attempted to persuade them to get into the car. They reportedly told the boys that they were travelling in the same direction and offered to drop them home.
However, the boys refused to enter the vehicle. Following their refusal, two men from the group allegedly began chasing them.
The boys, who were reportedly frightened by the incident, managed to run away from the spot and escape. They subsequently informed their parents about what had happened.
Parents approach police
The parents reportedly took the incident seriously and decided to approach the police after learning additional details from people in the locality.
According to the parents, local eyewitnesses had noticed the car parked in the area for a considerable period before the incident. The behaviour of the occupants was reportedly considered suspicious by people in the vicinity.
The information provided by the eyewitnesses further raised concerns among the families, prompting them to formally report the matter to the police.
Investigation underway
A case has now been registered at the Uppinangady police station in connection with the alleged incident. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the reported attempt to lure the children into the vehicle.
The identity of the men involved and their purpose for being in the area are yet to be established. Police are expected to examine the complaint and gather information from the children, their parents and eyewitnesses as part of the investigation.
The vehicle used by the group and its movements in the area may also form part of the investigation.
The incident has caused concern among residents, particularly parents of children in the locality. The reported incident has also highlighted the importance of children remaining cautious when approached by unknown persons and immediately informing parents or trusted adults about any suspicious encounter.
Police have not yet confirmed whether the incident was an attempted kidnapping or established the exact intention of the men. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.