Kundapur: A 10-year-old boy who went missing from the Bengere area of Gujjadi village under the jurisdiction of the Gangolli police station was traced safely following a swift and well-coordinated search operation by the police, with support from local residents. The child was found unharmed within hours of a complaint being filed, bringing relief to his family and the community.
Boy goes missing while playing
The missing boy was identified as Samruddha, a Class 4 student of Gujjadi Lower Primary School. According to the police, the incident occurred on the evening of January 7, when Samruddha went out to play near the Bengere Naga Temple, a familiar area close to his residence.
When the boy did not return home by late evening, his family members grew anxious and began searching the nearby surroundings. Despite their efforts, there was no trace of the child, prompting them to seek police assistance.
Samruddha resides with his maternal uncle, Vasanth Poojary. It was Vasanth Poojary who formally reported the boy’s disappearance to the Gangolli police station after attempts to locate him locally proved unsuccessful.
Immediate police response
Upon receiving the missing complaint, the Gangolli police acted promptly, treating the case with urgency due to the young age of the child. Inspector Pavan Nayak of the Gangolli police station took charge of the operation.
The search was conducted under the supervision of H D Kulkarni, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kundapur subdivision, and Shivakumar B, Circle Inspector of Police, Byndoor. Senior officers coordinated closely with field personnel to ensure that the search covered all possible locations within a short span of time.
Police officials said that missing child cases are prioritised, and immediate action is taken to maximise the chances of a safe recovery.
Coordinated search operation
A comprehensive search operation was launched involving police personnel and members of the local community. The surrounding areas, including open fields, temple premises, nearby pathways and rocky terrain, were systematically combed.
Local residents actively participated in the search, assisting the police by sharing information about possible locations and helping to check areas that a child might wander into while playing.
Police sources said the terrain around Bengere includes rocky patches and natural cavities, which required careful inspection to ensure the child was not trapped or injured.
Child found safe beneath rock cavity
After an intensive search, the boy was found sleeping inside a cavity beneath a rock, located about 250 metres from his residence. Police said the child appeared to have wandered into the area while playing and later fallen asleep inside the cavity.
The police team carefully rescued the boy and ensured that he had not suffered any injuries. He was found to be safe and unharmed, much to the relief of his family members.
Following standard procedure, the child was examined briefly to rule out any medical concerns before being handed over to his guardians.
Relief for family and community
The safe recovery of the boy brought immense relief to his family, who thanked the police and local residents for their timely support. Residents of the area also expressed appreciation for the prompt action taken by the Gangolli police.
Police officials acknowledged the cooperation extended by the public, noting that community involvement played a key role in narrowing down the search area quickly.
“The combined effort of the police and the local residents ensured that the child was found safely within a short time,” an officer said.
Police stress vigilance
Following the incident, police reiterated the importance of vigilance when children are playing outdoors, especially in areas with open land or uneven terrain. They advised parents and guardians to keep a close watch on young children and to promptly report any missing cases to the nearest police station.
Officials also urged the public not to panic in such situations and to cooperate with authorities by sharing accurate information, which can significantly aid search efforts.
Conclusion
The swift and coordinated response by the Gangolli police, supported by senior officers and local residents, ensured the safe return of the missing 10-year-old boy. The incident highlights the importance of timely reporting, effective police action and community cooperation in handling missing child cases. The successful rescue has reinforced public confidence in the local police and their commitment to child safety.