A Class VIII student from a government school under Bharatpur police station limits went missing on Monday afternoon and resurfaced at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar around 9.30 pm.
The girl, a resident of the Airfield police station area, missed her school bus after classes. She informed her family about the delay, but when her guardians reached the school, she was not there. Her family lodged a missing complaint at Bharatpur police station, prompting police to launch a search operation and announce a cash reward of Rs 25,000 for information.
Reports state that while waiting outside the school, two youths arrived on a motorcycle and sprayed a substance on her face before abducting her. As police intensified the search, the accused abandoned their plan and drove her to Capital Hospital in a car.
A woman security guard noticed the girl sitting alone on the hospital premises. She questioned her, but moments later, the girl lost consciousness. The two youths fled immediately. Doctors admitted her to the paediatrics department and later shifted her to obstetrics and gynaecology for medical examination.
The girl remained in shock and could not provide details initially. Police informed her family, who reached the hospital and took her home after treatment.
Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena confirmed that the girl is safe and under medical care. Police have begun an investigation to identify and trace the accused.
