Chhattisgarh: Kidnappers in Disguise Fail to Abduct 10-Year-Old Boy — Child's Quick Thinking Foils Abduction Attempt, Crowd Thrashes Accused

A terrifying kidnapping attempt in Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh, was thwarted by the remarkable courage and intelligence of a 10-year-old boy, turning what could have been a tragedy into a story of bravery.

According to reports, two suspicious men disguised as beggars tried to abduct a child in Ward No. 22 of Dongargarh on Saturday morning. The boy, identified as Manish Lahare, was playing outside his home when the incident occurred.

Kidnappers Came Disguised as Beggars

Witnesses said the two men, dressed in black and white clothes and carrying a blanket, approached Manish while pretending to beg. They spread their blanket in front of him, asking for alms. Seeing no adults nearby, the men suddenly grabbed the child, covered his mouth, and tried to run away.

But Manish didn’t panic. Showing exceptional presence of mind, he struggled and managed to free himself from their grip, sprinting straight home in fear. Crying, he narrated the entire incident to his father and neighbors. Within minutes, the news spread through the locality, causing panic and outrage among residents.

Locals Chase and Capture the Suspects

Angry locals quickly formed search teams and began scouring the area. After nearly two hours of search, the two men were spotted running towards the forest near Chouthna village. The villagers surrounded them, caught both, and in their rage, beat them up before handing them over to the police.

Upon being detained, the accused revealed they were residents of Salekasa area in Maharashtra. The police are now probing whether they were part of a larger kidnapping gang or had come to Dongargarh for a specific target.

City in Shock and Fear After the Incident

The shocking incident has caused widespread fear and anger among residents of Dongargarh, a town usually known for its peaceful and religious atmosphere. Parents have now become more cautious and are hesitant to let their children play outside alone.

Local communities have organized neighborhood watch groups, urging people to remain alert and immediately report any suspicious activity. The event has also reignited discussions on child safety and public vigilance in smaller towns.

Police Investigation Underway

Dongargarh police confirmed that the matter is being investigated thoroughly. A senior police officer said,

“Considering the seriousness of the case, we are interrogating the suspects in detail. The motive behind the attempted abduction is yet to be confirmed. Citizens are requested not to spread rumors but stay vigilant in their surroundings.”

The police have also increased patrols in residential areas, especially near schools and playgrounds.

The Young Hero Who Saved Himself

In a town shaken by the incident, 10-year-old Manish Lahare has become a symbol of bravery and presence of mind. His courage not only saved his own life but possibly prevented a larger criminal operation.

Local residents and social media users have hailed the child’s act of bravery. One resident remarked,

“If Manish hadn’t fought back and run for help, the situation could have been very different today.”

Manish’s story has now spread across the region, inspiring parents to educate their children about personal safety and the importance of reacting quickly during emergencies.

A Wake-Up Call for Parents and Authorities

The attempted kidnapping serves as a grim reminder of the rising threat of child abduction even in smaller, quiet towns. Authorities are urging parents to maintain constant communication with their children and teach them basic self-defense and alertness skills.

For now, the two accused remain in police custody, and further investigation will determine if they are linked to any organized child trafficking network operating across state borders.

While the incident left the community shaken, it also showcased the power of courage and awareness, proving that quick thinking—even by a child—can foil even the most sinister plans.