Raipur Rural Police rescued an eight-year-old boy within six hours of receiving a kidnapping complaint and apprehended three suspects, including a juvenile, after the abductors allegedly demanded Rs 15 lakh from his family. The incident unfolded in Arang on October 16 when the boy’s mother, a nurse, dropped him at the MedPlus medical shop near Indira Chowk, where his father works. Around 9 am, the child left the shop, telling his father he was going to play and ride his bicycle. When he failed to return home, his family searched for him before approaching Arang Police Station around 4 pm. Meanwhile, the father received a telephone call demanding Rs 15 lakh for his son’s release. Police alerted senior officers, sought technical assistance from the Range Cyber Cell and established checkpoints along possible escape routes. Neighbouring district police were also informed. According to police, the intensified search prompted the abductors to abandon the child near a petrol pump at Samoda village. He was recovered unharmed and reunited with his family. Technical leads subsequently directed investigators to Datrengi village under Gidhpuri Police Station in Balodabazar district, where police surrounded a house and apprehended three suspects. The arrested accused were identified as Hemant alias Chhotu Nishad (25) and Mithlesh Dhruv alias Bhuru (20), both residents of Datrengi. A juvenile was separately apprehended. Police seized two motorcycles allegedly used in the crime and a mobile phone. Investigators said preliminary checks revealed no previous criminal records against the accused. Further legal proceedings, including production before the competent court, were being undertaken.