3 days after kidnap, girl rescued from Bengal; kin arrested

Berhampur: A two-year-old girl, who was kidnapped by one of her relatives for ransom on Thursday, was rescued from West Bengal in an inter-state operation and handed over to her parents on Sunday.Accused Vishal Baban Mohite (28) has been arrested. Originally from Pune, Maharashtra, he had been living at Bramhanigaon in Kandhamal district and is the brother-in-law of the girl’s mother, Himani Mantri.According to the police, Himani, her husband, the accused and some other family members had gone to MKCG Medical College and Hospital for her medical check-up. Upon their return, the accused had an argument with others in a drunken condition.

However, he was pacified by family members.Later, Vishal took the girl with him to buy snacks, but did not return. Himani tried to contact him, but his mobile phone was found switched off. After a long time, he called back and said he has taken the child to Bramhanigaon. The family members rushed to Bramhanigaon but could not find them.When they spoke again, Vishal said they were in Adava in Gajapati district. Family members again rushed there but could not find them.

Later, he demanded Rs 1.50 lakh in return for the child and threatened the family members not to report to the police.On Friday, Himani lodged an FIR against Vishal at Baidyanathpur police station. “A police team was formed to rescue the girl,” said SP (Berhampur) Saravana Vivek M. Based on technical input, the police team went to West Bengal and nabbed the accused from Purba Medinipur and rescued the child.