Bandra residents catch kidnapper trying to abduct 5-year-old twice

Not quitting in time drove a 24-year-old kidnapper into the arms of the law. Bandra GRP arrested the man red-handed while he was attempting to carry off a five-year-old boy. The kid was saved as some of his neighbours spotted him with the accused. Cops suspect the offender is part of large child abduction syndicate.

Back where he belongs: Mubin Khan with his father.u00a0

Mubin Khan was playing outside his residence in Indira Nagar right opposite Bandra Terminus on Wednesday morning. His father Imran was indoors, doing some work. While wandering in the area Anil Harilal Harijan observed the child.

Kidnapper Anil Harilal Harijan (centre) with police

The accused offered some chocolates to Mubin and started playing with him. He then caught hold of the boy and was about to take off. A local hotelier saw Mubin with a stranger and shouted at Anil, who left the spot. But he returned a little later and again presented some chocolates to Mubin.

After convincing the child Anil was about to move him into an auto rickshaw. However, they were perceived by some locals while boarding the three-wheeler. As the onlookers shouted "Bachcha chor", more people gathered. Sensing trouble, the accused started to run away, but did not let go of the child. He scampered about 100 feet before being apprehended by people who handed him over to cops.

An officer from Nirmal Nagar police station said, "We have arrested the accused under section 363 (kidnapping) of Indian Penal Code. He was produced in court and has been remanded in police custody. We suspect Anil was involved in major child abduction racket and was about to push the kid into begging. The accused is well-trained and is not cooperating with us."