Daijiworld Media Network – Gudiyatham

Gudiyatham, Sep 25: In a dramatic incident on Wednesday, a three-and-a-half-year-old boy was allegedly kidnapped in broad daylight in Gudiyatham, Vellore district, but was safely rescued within hours, police said.

CCTV footage captured a white sedan stopping near the child’s home, from which a helmeted individual emerged, hurled chilli powder into the father’s eyes, snatched the boy, and sped away. Acting swiftly on a complaint lodged by the father, Gudiyatham police formed special teams and launched an intensive search.

Within hours, the child was found abandoned in Madhanur and was rescued safely. “Investigations are on to ascertain the motive behind the incident,” a police official told PTI, adding that the kidnappers had fled the scene after leaving the child.

The boy’s grandmother, N Mala, expressed immense relief and gratitude to the police for their quick action. “We wanted to somehow save our child. Thankfully, he was rescued within hours. Thanks to the media and public who helped us,” she told reporters.

Mala urged strict action against the perpetrators. “Those involved in the kidnapping should be identified and brought to book,” she said.