Three young boys from Delhi, aged 9, 11, and 13, went missing on July 25 while attempting to meet Bollywood star Salman Khan, sparking a tense search operation. The incident drew significant concern as the search spanned several days across Maharashtra, involving multiple agencies. This case highlights issues surrounding the Salman Khan missing boys search and the risks posed to minors in such situations.
Investigation Reveals Online Contact and Travel Plans
The children, students from the Sadar Bazar area in Delhi, had been in contact with a man named Wahid from Jalna, Maharashtra, through an online gaming platform. Wahid reportedly claimed to have met Salman Khan and promised to help the boys arrange a meeting with the actor. Trusting him, the boys planned to travel from Delhi to Jalna, then on to Mumbai, without informing their parents.
Authorities discovered a handwritten note at one boy’s home detailing the plan to meet Wahid, which proved vital in directing the investigation. CCTV footage confirmed the boys’ presence near Ajmeri Gate and New Delhi Railway Station. Police concluded they likely boarded the Sachkhand Express heading towards Maharashtra.
Change of Plans and Police Tracing Leads to Safe Recovery
Once Wahid realized the police were involved, he stopped communicating with the boys. As a result, the boys abandoned traveling to Jalna and exited the train in Nashik. Despite Wahid becoming unreachable, police used intermittent phone signals to track their location. Delhi Police worked closely with Railway Police and Maharashtra authorities, conducting searches at multiple locations.
After four days missing, the boys were found safe at a Nashik railway station and were unharmed. They were placed under police protection before arrangements were made for their return to Delhi.
Significance of the Incident and Its Wider Impact
This event underscores the vulnerabilities of young admirers trying to connect with celebrities, especially through unverified online contacts. The collaboration between Delhi and Maharashtra police forces demonstrates the critical role of coordinated efforts in resolving such cases. Moving forward, this incident may lead to increased awareness and safety measures regarding children’s internet use and travel plans to prevent similar occurrences.
