Toddler kidnapped near Ram Mandir in Bhubaneswar, rescued from Balasore

Bhubaneswar: An 18-month-old boy who was allegedly kidnapped near Ram Mandir in Bhubaneswar late Saturday night has been rescued from Balasore, according to reports from the Commissionerate Police.

While the main suspect remains at large, police have detained a woman identified as Jelam Rani Panda, who is accused of purchasing the kidnapped child.

Police said the toddler was forcefully taken from his mother, 25-year-old Jayanti Mallick, who is visually impaired and resides at Kanya Ashram in Niladri Vihar. Jayanti frequently visits Ram Mandir with her son and five-year-old daughter to seek alms.

On Saturday evening, heavy rain prevented her from returning to the ashram, prompting her to spend the night near the temple with her children. Around 1:30 am, an unidentified man reportedly offered juice to the baby before snatching him from Jayanti’s arms and fleeing the scene.

Jayanti immediately filed a complaint with the police, following which a special team was formed to locate the child. After an intensive investigation and tracking operation, police traced the baby to Balasore, where he was rescued safely.

CCTV footage during the investigation showed the suspect heading towards Bhubaneswar Railway Station with the child, helping police narrow down the search area.