He used fairs, chocolates to target vulnerable children

Lucknow: Police probing the arrest of an alleged serial child predator uncovered a disturbing pattern in which the accused Shahnoor alias Mehnuddin (29) allegedly targeted children wandering alone at village fairs and crowded public events by luring them with chocolates, toffees, snacks, and small gifts before sexually assaulting them.

According to police officials involved in the investigation, the accused had developed a “methodical and repetitive pattern” over the years, exploiting crowded fairs, religious gatherings, and local melas where children often became separated from parents or guardians for brief periods.

A crime branch officer, who scanned his criminal background, said that nine cases of his sexual assault on minors were found.

The officer said Mehnuddin would typically identify children appearing unsupervised or emotionally vulnerable.

“He approached them in a friendly manner, offering chocolates, ice cream, balloons, or rides near fairgrounds to gain their trust. Investigators said he often pretended to be a helpful elder or family acquaintance to avoid suspicion in crowded places,” said the officer based on the robe in the cases of sexual assault in his name.

Once he gained the child’s confidence, the accused allegedly took victims to isolated stretches near fields, abandoned structures, or secluded corners around mela sites before sexually assaulting them. Police also spoke to some of Mehnuddin’s aides who said that he used to get annoyed if the child resisted and threatened them.

Child psychologist Milind Kumar said individuals with paedophilic tendencies often display manipulative and predatory behavioural patterns aimed at gaining the trust of children before exploiting them.

“Such offenders generally do not appear threatening in public. They carefully observe children who are emotionally vulnerable, unsupervised, frightened, or isolated in crowded places like fairs, parks, schools, or marketplaces,” he said.