Erode: A Class VIII student who went missing in Anthiyur on Monday, was traced within three hours following swift action by the police.Erode district police said the girl, identified as Nivedhitha, a student of Adarsh Vidyalaya Matric Higher Secondary School in Anthiyur, failed to reach school after leaving home on Monday morning.During inquiries, police found that Nivedhitha’s father, Suresh, 45, from Karnataka and currently employed as a hostel cook at the school campus, had questioned her regarding the disappearance of ₹1,000 from their house three days ago. Although Nivedhitha denied taking the money, a search of her school bag revealed ₹370. When questioned about the cash, the girl told her father that another student had given the money to her for safekeeping. Suresh had informed her that he intended to inquire about the matter at school.On Monday morning, Nivedhitha left home around 9.05am but did not attend classes. Subsequent inquiries revealed that she had reached the school entrance but did not enter the campus. Based on a complaint, Anthiyur police registered a girl-missing case and launched an intensive search operation.Acting on the instructions of the Erode superintendent of police DV Kiran Shruti, special teams led by senior officers were formed. “CCTV footage was examined and alerts were sent to neighbouring districts and police checkposts,” said an officer from Anthiyur station.The breakthrough came when personnel attached to Sathyamangalam highway patrol traced the girl at the Sathyamangalam bus stand. “She was preparing to board a bus to Mysuru when she was located and secured safely,” the officer said.Erode superintendent of police commended the officers involved in the operation for their prompt and coordinated efforts. Meanwhile, further inquiries are underway.
