Srinagar, Apr 10: A situation that had initially created fear and anxiety among locals in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has gone in a totally unexpected way, with investigations confirming that the reportedly attempted kidnap of two schoolgirls was actually a hoax.
An official told news agency—Kashmir Bulletin that the police station Pulwama received a written complaint on 7th April 2025 from Bilal Ahmad Ganaie, who resides in Ratnipora, stating that his 10-year-old daughter and her friend were abducted by an unknown Alto car with registration number JK01AB-2069 while they were on their way to school. The complaint was immediately filed as FIR No. 91/2025 under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and an investigation was initiated.
As per police sources, the case took a drastic turn during the inquiry process. The statements of the minors and their parents were taken both in front of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) as well as in court. Unlike the initial accusation, the girls revealed that there was no kidnapping. They admitted to walking on foot from Ratnipora to the neighboring area of Nadoo and fabricating the kidnapping tale as an excuse to skip school.
Further refuting the complaint, CCTV evidence gathered in the area revealed no trace of any vehicle forcing the children to board. No sign of the Alto car was also found at the location, or any action that could suggest an abduction attempt.
“It was a fabricated tale due to fear of attending school,” replied one police officer who wished to remain anonymous. “Their parents knew nothing about it initially but confirmed the reality after it came out.”
The police are now planning to shut the case, calling it an act of misinformation and not done with ill intention.
The event triggered debate among teachers and child psychologists, who stress open communication among children, their parents, and schools. “This is an awakening call to realize what’s causing kids to fear coming to school to the point that they’d make up such a serious tale,” declared a school counselor in the area wishing anonymity.
In the meantime, officials have encouraged people to confirm facts before instilling fear. “False alarms not only squander police time but can even create unnecessary terror among communities,” the official said.
Until now, charges are not to be brought against the children and their families, with police prioritizing community sensitization and prevention education instead.— (KB)
