Ballari Police Crack Infant Abduction Case Within Hours, Four Held

Ballari: Swift action by Ballari police helped find a one-and-a-half-month-old baby boy who had been abducted from his mother.

The arrested are Shamim (25), HM Ismail Saab (65), Basha (55) and Basavaraj Mahantappa (43).

Briefing reporters on Sunday, Ballari Superintendent of Police Dr. Shobharani VJ said Sridevi of Benakal village, who had delivered a baby boy at the district hospital in July, returned on September 12 for a post-delivery check-up and to collect the birth certificate.

While there, a woman approached her claiming she would help her get the certificate from the city municipal office. Trusting her, Sridevi accompanied the woman to the office, where she was made to sit for a long time.

At one point, Sridevi handed over the baby to the woman while she went to use the restroom. When she returned, the woman and the child had disappeared. She immediately lodged a complaint at Brucepet Police Station, following which a case was registered.

Superintendent of Police Dr. Shobharani formed a special team. The team traced the infant in record time and reunited him with his parents.

"The accused Shamim was traced in the Cowl Bazaar station limits. She is the third wife of Ismail, to whom she handed over the baby. Ismail later gave the infant to Basha of Toranagal, who in turn handed it to his neighbour Basavaraj Mahantappa, a man married for 19 years without a child,” the SP said.

Mahantappa, who had long been trying to adopt, had allegedly approached Ismail for help. Ismail, along with his wife Shamim, then plotted the abduction of Sridevi’s baby, police said.

The accused were produced before court on Saturday. SP Dr. Shobharani appreciated the police team for their prompt and effective action in cracking the case and ensuring the safe recovery of the infant.