A disturbing case from Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur district has brought serious concerns about child safety, grooming, and exploitation into focus. A 15-year-old Class 8 student allegedly mixed sleeping pills into the food of her parents and grandmother so she could secretly leave the house at night to meet a 22-year-old neighbor, according to police.
The girl was reportedly under the influence of the man, who had gradually gained her trust and convinced her to follow his instructions. Over time, she began disappearing from home for hours at night, leaving her family confused and worried.
The truth came out when the family noticed that they felt unusually drowsy after dinner on several occasions and realized that their daughter was missing late at night. Suspecting something was wrong, the parents pretended to fall asleep one night and quietly followed her when she stepped out. They were shocked to find their minor daughter with the same young man from the neighborhood.
A local panchayat was called after the incident, and elders warned both sides in an attempt to stop further contact. The family hoped this would put an end to the matter. However, despite the intervention, the girl and the man allegedly continued to meet in secret.
With no other option left, the girl’s father submitted a written complaint at the Gulriha police station. After a preliminary inquiry, police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on Saturday.
By the time police teams went to arrest the accused, he had already fled. The man, who works as a shoe polish and painting laborer, is now being searched for at multiple locations. Police officials believe he may have emotionally manipulated the minor and drawn her into the relationship.
Both the girl and the accused belong to the Nishad community, though police clarified that the case is being treated strictly as a matter of child protection and law enforcement.
The case has triggered concern in the local area, once again highlighting how vulnerable minors can be to grooming and influence. Authorities say efforts are being made to ensure the safety and counseling of the girl, while teams continue to track down the accused.