CBI initiates investigation into case of missing children

Shillong, Mar 14 (UNI) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has started its probe to trace the whereabouts of two school children, who went missing since the last two-and-half-years in Meghalaya.

On August 2, 2006, four-year-old Sachit Goyal and his cousin Harsha Goyal, were kidnapped by unidentified persons against a ransom of Rs 10 lakhs for their safe return.

At least, 15 people have so far been arrested and interrogated, including one Rudal Saha alias Aman Behari, whom the Meghalaya police strongly believe had masterminded the abduction.

The state police, who had so far been investigating case, had seized a ransom note from Saha's possession. Besides, the state police had even sent its special team of investigators to Nepal and other states within the country to trace the two children.

The Border Security Force (BSF) had also sought the help from the Bangladesh Rifles in their search for the two children from their country.

''We have started our investigation and sought public cooperation for any bit of information they could provide in the rescue operation,'' CBI Superintendent of Police M S Sunder Rajan told UNI here today over the phone.

Mr Rajan said his team is exploring all options to trace the two school-going children.

Meanwhile, the family members have announced a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh to any one who can provide them the clue.

''We are ready to pay even to the kidnappers, as we want our children back,'' Sachit's father Vijay Goyal said.

However, till date, the captors have not contacted the children's family members.

Meghalaya police, which handed over the case to the CBI is aiding its in the case.

''We have tried our best and all the information that we have been able to gather, we have forwarded them to the CBI,'' a state police official said.

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