Jashpur, Chhattisgarh: In a shocking case of child abduction, Jashpur Police have arrested a woman accused of kidnapping a one-month-old infant after allegedly luring the child’s family with the promise of faith healing (traditional exorcism). The baby was successfully rescued and safely reunited with his parents following a swift police investigation.
Family Tricked During Hospital Visit
According to Additional Superintendent of Police Rakesh Patanwar, the incident involved a Pahadi Korwa tribal woman from Marangipath village under the Bagicha Police Station jurisdiction.
The mother had brought her one-month-old son to the District Hospital in Jashpur for medical treatment. During their visit, the family met an unknown woman who claimed she could cure the infant through traditional faith healing rituals.
The suspect gradually gained the family’s trust by convincing them that she could improve the child’s health through spiritual practices.
Accused Escaped With the Infant
Police said the accused later accompanied the family to the Jashpur Bus Stand, where she allegedly offered them Hadiya, a locally brewed traditional rice beverage, before taking them to a nearby hotel for a meal.
While the baby’s parents were busy eating, the woman allegedly fled with the infant, leaving the family shocked and searching for their missing child.
Police Launch Immediate Investigation
After discovering that their baby had disappeared, the parents immediately filed a complaint at the City Kotwali Police Station.
Considering the seriousness of the case, police launched an intensive investigation without delay.
Investigators:
- Collected and analyzed CCTV footage from the bus stand and surrounding areas.
- Gathered technical evidence and intelligence.
- Questioned witnesses and tracked the suspect’s movements.
Woman Arrested in Bagicha
Using technical surveillance and evidence collected during the investigation, police identified the accused and traced her to the Bagicha area.
The woman was arrested, and officers safely recovered the one-month-old infant from her custody.
The child was medically examined and subsequently handed over safely to his relieved parents.
Case Registered
Police have registered a criminal case against the accused woman and have launched a detailed investigation to determine:
- The motive behind the kidnapping.
- Whether the accused acted alone or with accomplices.
- Whether she has been involved in similar incidents in the past.
Authorities have not yet disclosed additional details as the investigation remains ongoing.
Police Urge Public to Stay Alert
The incident has raised concerns about criminals exploiting superstition and faith-healing claims to target vulnerable families.
Police have urged citizens to remain cautious when approached by strangers offering miraculous cures or religious rituals, especially involving children.
Officials also appealed to the public to immediately report any suspicious activity so that similar crimes can be prevented.
Swift Police Action Saves Infant
The prompt response by the Jashpur Police, combined with the use of CCTV surveillance, technical investigation, and rapid field operations, ensured the safe recovery of the kidnapped infant within a short period.
The successful rescue has been widely appreciated as an example of effective policing and quick coordination in protecting vulnerable children from criminal activities.