12 Years Later, ‘Happy Birthday’ Social Media Post Helps Crack Amreli Minor’s Abduction Case

Police have claimed a breakthrough in a 2014 case involving the disappearance and alleged abduction of a 13-year-old girl registered at Amreli Taluka Police Station, solving the case nearly 12 years later with the help of social media and technical investigation.

The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) recently reopened the investigation by examining old records and using technical sources. At the beginning of the probe, police had only an old photograph of the missing girl, her date of birth and details of her family.

Police Checked 1,800 Social Media Profiles

A special team of women police personnel was formed to trace the girl through social media.

Based on her date of birth, the team examined around 1,800 Instagram and Facebook profiles. During the search, investigators found a suspicious profile that carried a “Happy Birthday” post on the same date as the missing girl's birthday.

Further examination of the profile revealed a photograph of an autorickshaw.

RTO, Bank Details Helped Trace Location

Police approached the RTO and obtained details of the vehicle owner using the registration number visible in the photograph. Investigators then obtained the owner's mobile number and subsequently gathered bank-related information.

Based on the bank details, the police team reached Bhalgamda village in Halvad taluka.

The team reportedly conducted inquiries in the village while posing as census staff visiting households.

Woman’s Identity Confirmed Through Father’s Name

After further investigation, police identified a house where the woman was found. However, she initially gave investigators a different name.

Police then reportedly used a strategy to establish her identity, telling her that unless her parental details were registered, she would not be eligible for government benefits in the village and asking for her father's name.

The woman allegedly gave her father's actual name, which matched the details in the original complaint, confirming her identity.

Police said the woman is now the mother of four children.

The police have initiated legal proceedings against her current husband in connection with the case and arrested him.