16-year-old girl missing; police suspect involvement of online gaming acquaintance

A 16-year-old girl has been reported missing after she left her house on February 2, allegedly after being acquainted with a man she met on an online gaming platform, the police said.

According to the complaint, the missing girl, 16, had become acquainted with a person identified as Shahbaz through online gaming and mobile phone conversations. The two reportedly remained in regular contact. On February 2, around 10 a.m., the girl left her house and did not return. When she failed to come back, her family members searched for her among relatives, neighbours, and known contacts, but her whereabouts could not be traced.

Subsequently, the complainant suspected that the girl may have travelled to Uttar Pradesh to meet Shahbaz. Acting on this suspicion, the complainant went to Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, and made inquiries, but no information about the girl could be obtained.

The complainant later approached the police and lodged a missing person complaint. The complainant has expressed suspicion that Shahbaz, with whom the girl was in contact through online gaming, may be involved in this.

The Hebbagodi Police have registered a case. Efforts are under way to trace the missing minor and verify the role of the suspect.