Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a startling revelation, Goa Police have confirmed that a recent series of alleged child kidnapping attempts reported across the state were fabricated incidents, creating unnecessary panic among parents and the public. Investigations have now exposed that none of the three reported cases actually took place.
According to police officials, the incidents—reported from Valpoi, Bicholim, and Taleigao (Panaji)—had triggered widespread fear and rumours across social media platforms.
However, a detailed inquiry led by the North Goa Superintendent of Police revealed that all three complaints were false and based on misleading information given by the children themselves.
In the Valpoi case, registered on October 6 (FIR 57/2025), a 12-year-old boy claimed that two men in a white Omni van tried to abduct him at Bhuipal, Honda.
Police teams immediately swung into action, checking CCTV footage, questioning locals, and verifying vehicle movements — but no such car or suspects were traced.
Statements from residents revealed that the alleged incident never occurred.
A similar pattern emerged in Bicholim, where a 13-year-old student claimed on October 9 (FIR 137/2025) that four men in an Eeco vehicle with a Maharashtra registration plate tried to kidnap him in Amona village while returning from school.
But during questioning, the boy confessed to making up the story to escape pressure over poor academic performance.
The third case, reported on October 26 at Panaji Police Station, involved a 12-year-old Taleigao schoolboy who alleged that two men in a silver car attempted to kidnap him.
The child later admitted before an NGO representative that he had fabricated the story, confirming there was no kidnapping attempt.
Police sources said the false reports sparked unwarranted fear, diverting crucial law enforcement resources and fuelling social media speculation.
“Each of these cases was treated seriously, investigated thoroughly, and verified through on-ground evidence, witness statements, and surveillance footage,” a senior officer stated.
SP North Goa, in an official statement, warned against spreading misinformation and urged parents to guide children to be truthful.
“Such false reports not only waste police resources but also create widespread panic. We appeal to parents and schools to counsel children responsibly,” the statement read.
Police have also highlighted a concerning trend of children fabricating such stories due to fear, emotional stress, or academic anxiety, urging families and educators to prioritize mental and emotional support.
Citizens have been advised to avoid sharing unverified information on social media and to immediately contact the police control room for any genuine emergency.
