Update: The missing girl was found at a ground in Kerala's Kollam on Tuesday at 1.30pm. She was returned to her parents after health checkup. Read more HERE.
Read the original story below:
The sketch released by Kerala police of the suspect in the child abduction case | onmanorama
The search for six-year-old Kerala girl, who was abducted on Monday evening, continues on Tuesday as the police are yet to get any clue about her whereabouts. The sketch of the man suspected to have kidnapped the girl has been released.
Police said they are exploring all angles to locate the missing child.
The child was kidnapped by people who reportedly came in a white car between 4 pm and 4.30 pm, according to the police. The child's brother, who was pushed aside by the kidnappers when they whisked away the girl, reported seeing three men and a woman in the car.
The boy tried to stop the abductors and in the process suffered injuries to his knees, police had said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday had directed the state police to intensify its investigation. He had directed the state police chief to ensure a flawless and speedy investigation into the incident, his office said in a statement.
Though three people were detained for questioning, all three were cleared as they were found to have had no links with the crime.
Meanwhile, the police said the suspect, whose sketch had been prepared, had reportedly used a phone he borrowed from a shopkeeper to make the ransom call. The abductors were said to have switched vehicles from a white Honda Amaze to a Maruti Swift car.
They had also made two ransom calls to the girl's mother. Initially, they demanded Rs 5 lakh and then later doubled the figure.
In the audio recording of the purported second ransom call, shown on TV channels, the kidnappers could be heard saying that the girl was safe and unharmed and would be returned on Tuesday morning on a payment of Rs 10 lakh. The kidnappers had also warned the parents not to inform the police.
Police have opened two helpline numbers 9946923282, 9495578999, 112.
