Guwahati: Tension gripped the Ulubari area of Guwahati on Tuesday after allegations surfaced that a man attempted to lure a 10-year-old schoolboy.
The suspected man, identified as Pradip Das from Barpeta district, was detained by local residents and later handed over to Paltan Bazar Police.
According to reports, the Class IV student of DAV School was returning home after school when an unknown man allegedly tried to approach him near B. Borooah College. Locals claimed that the man attempted to lure the child and follow him. The boy reportedly managed to run away and sought help.
Residents and passers-by intervened, rescued the child and detained the suspect before informing the police.
The boy’s father said his son usually returns home alone from school and that they were informed by locals about the incident. The family immediately rushed to the spot and found local people holding the suspect.
The child’s mother said they were alerted by another parent and reached the area near a park close to B. Borooah College, where a crowd had gathered around the boy and the suspected man.
Speaking about the incident, the child said the man repeatedly approached him while he was walking home. He claimed that when the man suddenly ran towards him, he became frightened and started running. The boy added that he narrowly escaped being hit by a vehicle while trying to flee.
However, police officials said no evidence of an attempted kidnapping has been found so far. Preliminary investigation revealed that the detained man is reportedly a beggar.
Police also stated that no formal FIR had been filed regarding the kidnapping allegation at the time of reporting. Investigators have not found any evidence to confirm that the man intended to abduct the child. Claims that he tried to lure the boy with chocolates have also not been substantiated so far.
Police have launched an investigation and are examining all aspects of the incident to ascertain the facts.
