Swift analysis of CCTV footage from two locations helped police crack a mysterious child kidnapping case reported from Sira town on the night of February 2, rescuing the infant safely within days.
The accused have been identified as Shanta Mary (40), a resident of Koramangala, and her relative A Narasaiah (35) from Midigeshi in Madhugiri taluk. Acting on Narasaiah’s confession, police raided Mary’s residence on Monday and rescued the child. The baby was later produced before the Child Welfare Committee and handed back to the parents on Wednesday.
Child went missing during festival
According to police, the child was with his grandfather, a bangle seller, at the Magodu festival celebrations when he went missing. The boy’s parents reside in Laggere, Bengaluru. Nearly 5 lakh people had gathered for the festivities, making the search extremely challenging.
“Initially, we searched the temple premises. By midnight, we suspected kidnapping,” a senior officer said.
CCTV breakthrough
A special team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police BK Shekhar and Additional Superintendent of Police ML Purushottam began technical analysis. CCTV footage from near the temple and a bus stand showed a man and woman walking hurriedly, with a child asleep on the man’s shoulder, covered with a towel.
Police narrowed down nearly 50 mobile numbers from the area and secured subscriber photographs from service providers. The child’s grandfather identified Narasaiah as the man who had earlier befriended the boy.
On interrogation, Narasaiah confessed and revealed the child was at Mary’s house.
Motive revealed
Police said Mary, who has two daughters, allegedly wanted a boy child. The accused reportedly targeted a child from an economically weaker background, assuming the family might not pursue a complaint.
Both accused have been arrested, and further investigation is underway.