Police Officer’s Alertness Thwarts Kidnapping: 8-Year-Old Girl Rescued on Mumbai-Pune Train

Mumbai/Pune, 12th February 2024: Assistant Police Inspector Balbhim Nanavare’s sharp instincts came to the rescue as he traveled from Mumbai to Pune, preventing the alleged kidnapping of an 8-year-old girl in a school uniform. Nanavare, recently transferred from Pune to Mumbai, noticed suspicious behavior by a youth in the Sinhagad Express on Thursday.

Travelling incognito, Nanavare observed the man, around 30 years old, entering the compartment with the young girl. Despite outwardly appearing content, the connection between the two seemed amiss. The man, conversing with the girl in Hindi while she responded in Marathi, raised Nanavare’s concern.

Offering the girl a seat near him, Nanavare engaged in conversation, discovering that the person claimed to be her father. However, the girl’s expression hinted otherwise. Realizing the potential danger, Nanavare discreetly asked for her mother’s mobile number. Pretending to check his own phone, he showed the girl a photo of himself in uniform, prompting her to inquire if he was a police officer, to which he affirmed.

Suspecting foul play, Nanavare obtained the girl’s uncle’s number, clicked a selfie with her, and shared it with the family. After confirming she was reported missing, he alerted the Pune police control room and the railway police. With the help of passengers, they detained the man. The parents were directed to file a case at Waliv police station in Vasai-Virar.

The detained suspect, identified as Dayanand Kumar Sharma (30) from Bihar residing in Vasai, is now in custody, facing charges of kidnapping. Sub-inspector Gurudas More of Waliv police station is investigating the case, working to uncover Sharma’s motive, as he remains unknown to the family. Nanavare handed over the girl and the suspect to the police, continuing his journey to Pune.