Missing Bhavnagar girl brought back from Sonipat

Rajkot: A 16-year-old girl from Mahuva taluka in Bhavnagar district, reported missing last month, was traced to Sonipat in Haryana and rescued in a swift inter-state operation. Mahuva Rural police and Bhavnagar local crime branch brought her home and reunited her with her family on Sunday, police officials said.

According to police records, a complaint about her disappearance was registered at Mahuva Rural police station on May 19 under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigators then launched a search using technical surveillance and human intelligence inputs.

Police traced the girl’s location to Sonipat, after which a team travelled to Haryana and brought her back to Mahuva, where she was handed over to her family.

Mahuva division deputy superintendent of police Reemaba Zala said the person accused of taking the girl away is also a minor, believed to be 17 years old. Police are collecting documents, including school records, to verify his age and proceed with the legal process.

Preliminary findings show that the girl and the boy, who was living in Sonipat, became acquainted through an online game eight to ten months ago. Their contact later shifted to Instagram and phone calls. Investigators said the boy persuaded the girl to leave with him. He reportedly came to Mahuva to pick her up and took her to Sonipat via several locations, including Surat and Delhi.

Police sources said the accused minor, originally from MP and currently living in Haryana, was working as a casual labourer. Investigators found that he had allegedly arranged accommodation in Sonipat, where the girl was staying when police located her.

Investigating officer S A Zala said the girl was carrying her phone when she went missing, but it was later switched off. Analysis of call detail records showed regular contact with a phone number outside Gujarat. With help from telecom service providers, police traced the location to Sonipat.

Police raided the area where the boy was working and found the girl in a rented room. She later underwent a medical examination as part of standard legal procedure. Officials said additional charges may be considered based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

Investigators said the boy had promised marriage to the girl and told her of his travel plans before they left Gujarat together. Police also revealed that he was operating multiple Instagram accounts, allegedly to stay in touch with her.

Police said further legal action will follow after verification of the accused minor’s age and completion of procedural requirements. The girl has undergone a medical check-up, and police may book the boy under other sections of the BNS based on the evidence that emerges.