14-Year-Old Girl Abducted via Online Game Rescued from Varanasi

Mumbai : In a shocking incident that highlights the potential dangers of online gaming for children, a 14-year-old girl from Goregaon, Mumbai, was abducted after being manipulated through a popular online game. The Vanrai Police successfully rescued the girl from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, following a meticulous technical investigation.

The girl, a student of Class 9 in a reputed school in Goregaon, lived with her working parents and was often alone at home. She had developed a habit of playing online games on her mobile phone, particularly a game known among teenagers as "Fire Game." Around three months ago, she came into contact with an unknown youth through this game. Police revealed that the youth gained psychological control over her via the game, compelling her to follow his instructions blindly.

According to Senior Police Inspector Raju Mane of Vanrai Police Station, the game involved completing a series of tasks assigned by the other player. The abductor had given her one such task — to go to a secluded dumping ground in Goregaon. Complying without informing anyone, the girl went to the location, where unidentified individuals were already waiting and subsequently abducted her.

When the girl went missing, her parents approached Vanrai Police Station, and a kidnapping case was immediately registered due to her minor status. Initial analysis of her call data records (CDRs) revealed no suspicious contacts. Friends and acquaintances also denied any knowledge of romantic involvement, leaving the police with little to go on.

However, a breakthrough came when investigators discovered her engagement with the "Fire Game." Police contacted the developers of the gaming app and gathered crucial technical information. This led them to trace the girl's location to Varanasi. A police team was dispatched, and they found the girl confined at an undisclosed location. She was rescued and brought back to Mumbai safely.

Police believe the main suspect is an 18-year-old youth, and efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend him. The girl is currently undergoing medical evaluation to determine if she was subjected to any sexual assault.

"She is in a state of mental shock, and we are carefully investigating all angles to determine exactly how the abduction was carried out and who else may be involved," said Inspector Mane.

The incident underscores the urgent need for parental supervision and awareness regarding online interactions and games that can potentially put children at risk.