PUNE: The Pimpri-Chinchwad police on Sunday rescued a four-year-old girl from Chikhali area.
While the police claim that it is a case of human trafficking, Andhashradha Nirmoolan Samiti (ANiS), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) started by slain rationalist and anti-superstition activist Dr Narendra Dabholkar, have demanded action against the accused.
“Police are denying any human sacrifice angle in this case. However, considering Amavasya on Thursday, we cannot ignore the possibility. We have come across similar cases in the past,’ said Milind Deshmukh of ANiS.
As per a police complaint lodged by Tara Raja Sheikh, on July 23, her four-year-old daughter was reported missing while playing near his house in Tamhane wasti. Police formed teams and initiated search operations after receiving the alert.
As per the complaint, Sheikh goes to work every day after leaving her daughter at the neighbour’s house. After examining CCTV camera footage, police found suspicious activity carried out by the relatives of Sheikh’s neighbours. Pimpri-Chinchwad police along with Pune rural counterpart conducted search operations in Junnar and arrested Santosh Chowgule (41), Vimal Chowgule (28), Sunita Ashok Nalavade (40), Ankita Ashok Nalavae (22), Nikita Ashok Nalavade (18) and one minor. The Chowgules are related to the complainant’s neighbour and had visited the house two days prior to the incident. Police found the kidnapped girl in their custody.
Anand Bhoite, DCP Zone II, said, “We arrested the accused within 10 hours after the kidnapping. As per prima facie, we suspect the girl was kidnapped for human sacrifice, but are yet to ascertain the exact cause behind it.’’
{{/usCountry}}Anand Bhoite, DCP Zone II, said, “We arrested the accused within 10 hours after the kidnapping. As per prima facie, we suspect the girl was kidnapped for human sacrifice, but are yet to ascertain the exact cause behind it.’’
{{/usCountry}}The Pimpri-Chinchwad police have handed over the case to anti-human trafficking unit and it is investigated by DYSP Dattatrya Chavan.