He was kidnapped when he went to Babu Jagjivan Ram hospital for vaccination 9 years ago. Mother Farida recalls, “I turned away from Shahab for just 10 seconds, but those 10 seconds changed everything for us.” She along with hospital staff searched everywhere, but with no luck.
The family had registered a missing child case at Krishna Nagar police station in 2007. The case was closed in 2009, the family had lost legal option, but not hope.
He returned home on his birthday on Monday at the age of 10. There are a few stories of kids like Shahab that end with happiness. Shahab was taken by a childless couple.
The story unfolded with continuous efforts of Shahab’s parents. Afsar, Shahab’s father always carried a picture of him. On one occasion they happen to tell to a relative their sorrow and showed him Shabab’s photo.
When Police met the foster parents, they said they have adopted the boy, but had no proof. Couple had told neighbours that the boy was with grandparents in their ancestral village, to hide his sudden presence in their lives.
Finally, Nargis and Shamim finally conceded that they kidnapped the boy to avoid the hassles of a legal adoption. Rishi Pal Singh, DCP (East), said role of foster parents in human trafficking angle is being probed. DNA tests to confirm paternity was done and result is awaited.