Palghar, Jul 17 (PTI) After social media reports of a child-lifting gang using a black SUV being active in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, the police conducted a thorough probe and found that the vehicle actually belonged to a Gujarat resident, who frequently visits a temple here for philanthropic activity.
Speaking to reporters, Palghar Superintendent of Police (Rural) Yatish Deshmukh on Thursday said the reports of child lifters being on the prowl in the district were thoroughly investigated, and found that they were false.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “A message was being circulated claiming that a group of people in a black car was attempting to kidnap children from villages. We immediately launched action. Teams from the Kasa police station and local crime branch were dispatched to Sarani and Nikavali villages in the Dahanu area, where the car was allegedly seen. The police then traced the SUV mentioned in the post.” “During the investigation, it was found that the vehicle owner, Chetan Patel, 38, is a resident of Vapi in Gujarat. He has been frequently visiting the Saptashurngi Mata Mandir in Nikavali to distribute items like school bags, slippers and umbrellas to the needy in memory of his late mother,” he said.
The vehicle was seen in the region on July 14, when the rumour began spreading, Deshmukh said.
“The priest confirmed that the Gujarat resident was a regular visitor of the temple. The Vapi police were also contacted to verify his background. They told us that he does not have any criminal background. His visits to the temple are purely for charitable purposes,” he added.
After finding this, the police have now urged people not to believe in rumours.
He said the social media posts about child lifters were misleading, and warned against the spread of unverified information.
“This is nothing but mischief. We appeal to people not to believe such rumours,” the SP said, adding that the district police were now actively working to trace the origin of the false message and take appropriate legal action against the mischief-monger.
“We are identifying the person who spread this false alarm and will ensure action is taken as per the law, he added. PTI COR NP
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