Tricity
Panipat XEN’s 12-year-old son rescued after midnight highway chase, shootout
A 12‑year‑old boy was rescued after kidnappers threw him from a moving car, prompting a midnight police chase that ended in a shootout and the arrest of two men and a woman.
The night of April 12 turned into a tense ordeal for a 12‑year‑old boy and his family when kidnappers abandoned him on a highway outside Panipat. Police say the abductors threw the child out of a moving vehicle before a high‑speed chase ensued. The pursuit ended with a brief shootout, during which officers fired at two suspects, striking them in the legs, and later arrested a woman believed to be an accomplice.
The incident unfolded around midnight on a stretch of the national highway linking Panipat to nearby towns. According to initial reports, the kidnappers had seized the boy from his home and were transporting him when they decided to discard him on the road. The sudden ejection sent the child into the darkness of the highway, where he was left vulnerable.
Within minutes, local police received a distress call and mobilised patrol units. The chase that followed covered several kilometres, with the suspects attempting to evade capture by speeding along the highway. The situation escalated quickly, prompting officers to open fire in an effort to stop the vehicle and protect the child.
Two male suspects were hit in the legs during the exchange of fire. Their injuries were reported to be serious enough to require medical attention, but they were subsequently taken into custody. A woman, identified as an accomplice, was also detained after the confrontation. All three individuals are now being processed by the police for their roles in the kidnapping and subsequent abandonment of the child.
The rescued boy was found by police officers a short distance from where he was thrown. He was reportedly shaken but otherwise unharmed, and he was quickly handed over to his family. The child’s father, a senior journalist known by the initials XEN, expressed relief at the outcome and thanked the responding officers for their swift action.
Local authorities have launched a formal investigation into the kidnapping ring. While details about the broader network remain under wraps, officials say the incident highlights the growing concern over child safety and the need for vigilance in areas with high traffic volumes.
Police spokesperson said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated response teams. “The rapid deployment and the decision to engage the suspects directly prevented further danger to the child,” the spokesperson noted. He added that the injured suspects are under medical supervision and will face appropriate charges once they are medically cleared.
The woman taken into custody is expected to be produced before a magistrate for further questioning. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby establishments and interviewing witnesses who observed the chase.
Community leaders in Panipat have called for increased security measures on the highway, especially during nighttime hours. A resident association representative urged the municipal corporation to consider additional lighting and regular police patrols to deter similar crimes.
The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the safety of children in transit. Experts in child protection emphasize the importance of secure transport arrangements and the need for awareness campaigns among parents.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the young victim receives the necessary support and that the individuals responsible for the kidnapping are held accountable. The swift police action, though resulting in injuries to the suspects, has been praised for averting a potentially tragic outcome.
The case underscores the unpredictable nature of criminal acts and the critical role of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable citizens. Authorities have pledged to keep the public informed as more details emerge from the ongoing inquiry.
Source: Hindustan Times
