Patna: A 16-year-old girl from the Maner area of Patna district was recovered from Ludhiana, Punjab, after she allegedly left home to meet a youth from Uttar Pradesh following a year-long relationship that began with a wrong-number call.
The Maner police traced the minor to Ludhiana through mobile call details and technical surveillance after her family reported her disappearance. The youth, identified by police as Mohammad Sameer of Kalyanpur Tulsipur in Uttar Pradesh, allegedly fled before the police team reached the location.
Relationship Began With Wrong-Number Call
According to police, the girl came in contact with Sameer about a year ago after receiving a call from a wrong number. Their conversations continued over the phone and eventually developed into an alleged romantic relationship.
Police said the girl left home about three months ago and travelled to Ludhiana, where Sameer was working for a private company.
Her family searched for her after she went missing but could not trace her. They subsequently lodged a complaint at the Maner police station.
Police Trace Minor To Ludhiana
Following the complaint, Maner SHO Rajnish Kumar formed a team led by Sub-Inspector Afsar Ali to locate the girl.
Police used technical investigation, including mobile call details and surveillance, along with information provided by the family, to trace her location to Ludhiana.
The police team subsequently travelled to Ludhiana and recovered the minor. However, Sameer allegedly escaped before the team arrived at the location.
Statement Recorded In Court
Police said the minor’s statement was recorded before a court under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
An FIR has been registered against Sameer under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other relevant provisions, police said.
Maner SHO Rajnish Kumar said the girl was handed over to her family after completion of the necessary legal formalities.
Police said raids are being conducted at suspected locations to arrest the absconding accused.
