SHIMLA: Shimla MLA and former Bishop Cotton School (BCS) board member Harish Janartha, flanked by the school’s headmaster, on Monday said the school acted swiftly and there was “no lapse” in protocol during Saturday’s kidnapping scare.
Three Class VI students were rescued unharmed from Kotkhai after a joint police-local search operation under SP Shimla and his team monitored personally by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the DGP.
“The children were on their routine Saturday town visit when they were lured into a private car on the BCS–Khalini road by accused Sumeet Sood, who introduced himself as an old Cottonian,” Janartha said. “He picked them up randomly on the pretext of dropping them into the city. They were not targeted as per police investigation.”
The headmaster said the school is reviewing security protocols.
“From now on, students will only be allowed out during weekends if accompanied by parents or adults authorised by the school. No one else will be permitted to take them out,” he said.
Janartha added that a board meeting will soon finalise these measures.
“It was a timely, coordinated effort by the Shimla police and locals that ensured the children’s safe return. I met them after their medical check-up — they’re healthy and safe. We thank everyone who acted fast,” he said.
Police have arrested the accused, who is in custody further investigation is on, he added.
