A shocking attempt to kidnap two seven-year-old girls was foiled by alert residents in Ghatkopar West on Tuesday night. The incident took place at a garden in Damodar Park, where the children were playing. Locals acted swiftly, rescued the girls from the clutches of the accused, and handed him over to the police.
According to police sources, the two minor girls, both aged seven and residents of the same locality, were playing in the garden when a suspicious man in his mid-30s entered the premises. The accused allegedly picked up one girl and grabbed the other by her hand, attempting to forcibly take them out of the garden.
At that moment, a local resident, identified as Mohammad Zakaria, came downstairs for some work and noticed the suspicious activity while taking out his vehicle. Sensing danger, he immediately intervened and managed to rescue both girls from the accused.
The accused then tried to flee the spot, but vigilant residents chased and caught him at the garden gate. The police were promptly informed, and officers from Parksite Police Station rushed to the scene and took the accused into custody.
A case has been registered against the accused, who has been identified as Sarjuprasad Keshulal Banwasi (34), a native of Dindori district in Madhya Pradesh. He has been arrested, and further investigation is underway.
Police officials stated that the accused was not previously seen in the area, and his motive behind the attempted kidnapping is yet to be determined. The incident has triggered panic in the locality, with parents expressing concern over the safety of their children.