Sambalpur, Sept 10: A disturbing attempt to abduct a schoolboy was reported on Tuesday in Bhaliabeda village, under the Rengali police limits in Sambalpur district. Nine men, disguised as Babas (godmen), allegedly tried to abduct the child in broad daylight.

According to sources, the incident occurred around noon when a group of schoolchildren was walking through the village. Suddenly, two cars approached, and a group of men, described as non-Odia and dressed in religious robes, attempted to drag one of the children into one of the vehicles.

Fortunately, the boy's friend reacted quickly, pulling him away just in time to thwart the abduction attempt. The suspects, realizing their failure, fled the scene.

After the children informed their families and school authorities, villagers initiated a search operation. Their efforts led them to a nearby ashram, where the nine suspects were apprehended and handed over to the police.

The police confirmed the detention of all nine suspects, and an investigation is currently underway to determine their motive and whether they are linked to any child trafficking network.

No statements have been released by the police or the detained individuals as of now.

In a similar incident earlier this year, an 8-year-old boy was kidnapped in broad daylight in Bhubaneswar. However, the police managed to rescue the child within hours. The kidnapping, which occurred near Panchagaon under the Airfield police limits, had sparked widespread alarm due to the boldness of the crime. Witnesses reported that the kidnappers had threatened the boy at gunpoint, forcibly pulling him into a car before speeding away.