Ballari : Dr. Sunil Kumar, a pediatrician, who was abducted on Saturday morning from Shaneeshwar Temple at Satyanarayanpet in Ballari, was rescued the same evening at Somasmudra village in Kurugod taluk. The Ballari police confirmed that the doctor is safe and unharmed.
Rescue Operation
Superintendent of Police Shobha Rani led the rescue operation. Speaking to The Hindu, she stated, “The kidnappers were unable to leave the district due to intense police activity. They abandoned the doctor at a remote location and fled. We are actively investigating the case and will bring the culprits to justice soon.”
Details of the Abduction
Dr. Kumar was kidnapped around 6:00 a.m. while on a morning walk. When he resisted the abduction, two assailants overpowered him, assaulted him, and forced him into their car. The incident was caught on CCTV cameras in the area, and the footage revealed that the kidnappers initially moved towards Moka Road on the outskirts of Ballari city.
Ransom Demand
Using Dr. Kumar’s phone, the kidnappers made a WhatsApp call to his brother, Venugopal Gupta, who is the president of the District Liquor Dealers’ Association. They demanded a ransom of ₹5 crore and gold for the doctor’s release.
Community Reaction
The kidnapping shocked Ballari residents, prompting swift police action. SP Shobha Rani formed three teams to track the kidnappers and secure the doctor’s safe return.
Next Steps
The police are intensifying their investigation to identify and apprehend the culprits. They are analyzing CCTV footage and phone call records to trace the kidnappers’ movements and motives.
Assurance of Justice
Ms. Rani assured that the police are committed to ensuring justice and protecting the safety of citizens. Meanwhile, Dr. Sunil Kumar is receiving support from his family and local authorities.
