Delhi Police Rescues Abducted Children After Intense Chase; Kidnapper Apprehended

In a harrowing incident on the evening of 28th June 2024, a family outing for street food in Delhi took a terrifying turn when their car, with their 11-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son inside,  from outside a sweet shop in East Delhi. The parents had briefly stepped into Heera Sweets on Vikas Marg, leaving the engine running and their children in the vehicle, only to return moments later to find it gone.

Demanding A Ransom

The ordeal escalated when the kidnapper, identified as Prateek Shrivastava, made contact with the father through his daughter’s phone, demanding a ransom of Rs. 50 lakhs for their safe return. Without delay, the distraught parents contacted local authorities, triggering an immediate response from Delhi Police.

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Four specialized teams, equippe with technical surveillance and led by season officers, were swiftly mobilize across the city. Their coordinated efforts spanned a grueling three-hour chase covering over 200 kilometers, involving multiple police vehicles and coordination with neighboring districts and night patrolling units.

The pursuit left the car found near Samaypur Badli, with the children safe inside. Though some valuables were recover intact, a small sum of money was missing from the younger child’s belongings. Additionally, police found a bag containing alarming tools like a meat chopper and a hammer left behind by the perpetrator.

Accussed Profile

Prateek Shrivastava, a 38-year-old former AC mechanic and familiar with Delhi’s topography from previous jobs with ride-hailing and food delivery services, in custody on 4th July 2024. During interrogation, he admits to meticulously planning the abduction, exploiting instances where parents left their vehicles momentarily running during Delhi’s sweltering evenings.

“His modus operandi involved waiting near crowded spots, like Heera Sweets, where parents would often leave cars running,” stated Inspector Sanjay Gupta of Shakarpur Police Station, who led the operation.The successful rescue was attributed to the meticulous efforts of Delhi Police and the community’s vigilance in cooperating with authorities.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with leaving children unattended in vehicles and underscores the crucial role of timely police intervention in ensuring public safety. As the accused awaits legal proceedings, the community reflects on the importance of vigilance and responsible vehicle safety practices.