Surat minor allegedly abducted by youth, father files complaint in Ahmedabad

A 17-year-old girl from Surat has allegedly been abducted by a youth known to the family, prompting her father to file a complaint at Anandnagar police station in Ahmedabad. The girl, identified as Riddhi (name changed) (17 years and 11 months), has been missing since November 14, the FIR states.

Jajyantibhai Gohil, a diamond cutter residing in Varachha, Surat, stated in his complaint that his elder daughter Riddhi — a first-year BCom student — left her women’s hostel in Ahmedabad on November 14 after reportedly submitting a two-day leave letter. Jajyantibhai said he was at home around 3 pm when he received a call from her phone. However, instead of Riddhi, a young man introduced himself as Gopal and told him: “I am Gopal and Riddhi is with me. We are going to run away. Do not look for us." The caller then disconnected when asked to let Riddhi speak.

Alarmed, Jajyantibhai informed his wife, younger brother Manishbhai and nephew Akash, and subsequently contacted his in-laws in Ahmedabad, requesting them to check on Riddhi. He then travelled to Ahmedabad and learnt from his relatives that Riddhi had applied for leave at her hostel a day earlier.

The family searched for Riddhi in both Ahmedabad and Surat but could not locate her. According to the FIR, Jajyantibhai said the youth, identified as Gopal Thodia, a resident of Varachha Surat, had been in contact with his daughter for over a year after they connected on Instagram. The complainant said the family was aware of their relationship and had previously counselled Riddhi on the matter.

He further alleged that Gopal, 19, had ‘lured’ Riddhi away from their legal guardianship with the intention of marriage — an offence under the BNS, given that the girl is still a minor. Attempts to locate Gopal at his Varachha residence were unsuccessful, said police 

The FIR adds that Riddhi was pursuing her BCom degree at an Ahmedabad college and was staying in a hostel near YMCA.

Anandnagar police have registered a case based on the complaint and initiated a search for the minor girl and the accused.