Police Probe Alleged Abduction Attempt After Three Females Flee NGO Custody At Bhubaneswar Bus Terminal

Bhubaneswar: Odisha police have launched an investigation into an alleged abduction attempt involving two young women and a minor girl who were found hiding inside the Baramunda Bus Terminal in Bhubaneswar on Monday night after reportedly fleeing from a group of women believed to be associated with a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

According to preliminary reports, the three females arrived at the bus terminal in a distressed state and attempted to evade their pursuers by hiding in nearby lanes and underneath parked buses. Security personnel deployed at the terminal noticed the commotion and intervened.

Witnesses said a group of women, reportedly NGO workers, were seen chasing the trio through the bus stand premises. During the rescue, the women allegedly told security staff that they were being taken somewhere against their wishes.

The security personnel subsequently escorted the three to the Baramunda Bus Stand police outpost, following which they were questioned by police and later shifted to a government-recognised short stay home for their safety and care.

Police have begun examining CCTV footage from the bus terminal and surrounding areas to establish the sequence of events and identify all those involved. Officials said efforts are underway to ascertain the identities of the two women and the minor girl, who have so far been reluctant to cooperate with investigators.

Sources indicated that the women and the minor may have previously been rescued from roadside locations where begging is prohibited under government regulations and subsequently placed in a shelter home for care, education and rehabilitation. However, authorities have not officially confirmed this aspect.

Police said all angles were being examined and that further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.