Ranchi (IANS): In a major breakthrough, Jharkhand Police on Wednesday safely rescued two minor siblings who were abducted from the Dhurwa area of Ranchi nearly two weeks ago. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the case.
The rescued children—four-year-old Ansh and five-year-old Anshika—were traced to the Chitarpur area of Ramgarh district after an intensive multi-agency search operation. Their disappearance on January 2 had sparked widespread public outrage, protests, and a shutdown in parts of Dhurwa.
Disappearance Triggered Citywide Protests
According to police officials, the siblings had left their home near Mausi Bari Khatal in Dhurwa around 3 pm on January 2 to buy groceries from a nearby shop, but never returned. When initial searches yielded no clues, the family filed a missing persons complaint at the Dhurwa police station on January 3.
The case quickly escalated into a major law-and-order concern, drawing attention from civil society groups, political organisations, and residents across Ranchi.
SIT Formed, Massive Tech Surveillance Launched
Given the gravity of the incident, a 40-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed under the supervision of SSP Rakesh Ranjan. Investigators analysed data from over 5,000 mobile numbers and scanned footage from nearly 2,000 CCTV cameras across Ranchi and adjoining areas, combining technical inputs with ground-level intelligence.
To widen the search, police launched a poster campaign with the help of voluntary organisations and announced a reward of ₹4 lakh for credible information. Several protest demonstrations were held, and the Dhurwa sub-town observed a bandh earlier this week.
Child Rights Panel Took Cognisance
The case also drew the attention of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, which sought a detailed report from the Jharkhand Director General of Police on the progress of the investigation.
Rescue Operation and Arrests
Acting on key leads, the SIT traced the children to Chitarpur, where they were rescued unharmed. Preliminary investigation suggests the involvement of members of a nomadic Gulgulia gang in the abduction. Two accused have been taken into custody, while efforts are on to identify and apprehend other members of the network.
Police confirmed that both children are in good health and that formalities are underway to reunite them with their families.
Further Probe Underway
The arrested suspects are being interrogated by the police to determine the motive behind the crime and to uncover possible interstate links. Jharkhand DGP Tadasha Mishra is expected to share further details on the abduction and rescue operation at a press conference later today.
