BIDAR, 14 APRIL

A man distributing wedding invitations was mistakenly suspected of attempted child abduction in Vidyanagar, Bidar, triggering panic among locals on Sunday. The confusion arose after he asked local children for directions, prompting their parents to lodge a police complaint.

Around 6pm, the man was seen talking with children outside a house, raising suspicion. The children, reportedly alarmed by his behaviour, informed their parents. As the adults confronted him, the man fled. CCTV footage supported the complaint, leading to swift action by Gandhi Gunj Police.

Given the case in Hubballi, where a five-year-old was kidnapped and murdered, Bidar police treated the case with urgency. However, investigations revealed an unexpected truth.

Superintendent of Police Pradeep Gunti clarified that the individual was Mallikarjun, a resident of Aurad Sirsi village in Bidar taluk. He had travelled to Vidyanagar to distribute invitations for his sister’s wedding scheduled for 23 April.
Alarmed by the sudden reaction from adults, he panicked and fled the scene.

After being located and questioned, Mallikarjun explained the misunderstanding. Police confirmed that no child abduction or inappropriate behaviour occurred.

SP Gunti urged the public to remain cautious but avoid jumping to conclusions. “The matter was a misunderstanding. We are continuing our inquiry to ensure clarity,” he added.