Three Missing Shimla Schoolboys Rescued, Kidnapper Arrested

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Shimla Police rescued three 11-year-old students from a well-known boarding school after they went missing during an authorized outing. The students had left the school premises on Saturday around noon to visit Mall Road, with instructions to return by 5 pm. When they failed to return, the school informed the police, prompting immediate action.

A case of kidnapping was registered under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Acting swiftly, the police launched a six-hour operation led by Additional Superintendent of Police Navdeep Singh. The investigation led them to Kokunala village in Kotkhai tehsil, where the children were found safe but shaken in a local residence.

Sumit Sood, a 45-year-old resident of the village, was arrested on the spot. During the rescue, police recovered items such as ropes, masks, and tools that indicated the children were held against their will. The authorities are continuing the investigation and are analyzing CCTV footage and call records, including a suspicious call from a California-based virtual number that had contacted the children’s families. No ransom demand was made.

The students are reportedly from politically influential families, and their parents were in constant communication with the authorities during the search. Police officials commended the coordination between local units and intelligence teams that led to the quick resolution of the case.

In response to the incident, the police plan to review and issue new safety protocols for school outings. Authorities emphasized the importance of increased vigilance and timely reporting to prevent similar occurrences in the future.