Toddler missing for 30 days, police turn to divine help:Child’s maternal paternal families to take ‘loyalty test’ at Gwalior’s ‘Magistrate Mahadev court’

Ritesh Pal, a three-year-old boy from Mohanpur village in Gwalior, has been missing for more than 30 days. Despite deploying over 500 police personnel, conducting drone searches, and scanning more than 400 CCTV cameras, no trace of the child has been found. The police are now relying on an unusual method, turning to the court of Girgaon’s ‘Magistrate Mahadev’ to help in the investigation. Police turn to ‘Magistrate Mahadev’ Last Monday, 24 November, the police brought both the child’s maternal and paternal families to Magistrate Mahadev’s court in Maharajpura. The police believe the child may be with one of the families or somewhere between them. A case has been registered in the temple’s panchayat. The police are conducting a “loyalty test” of both families, including the parents, to uncover the truth. Families postpone oath Both families initially avoided taking the required oath, citing the absence of some relatives. They were given seven days to appear and take the oath. The next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, 2 December. During this session, both families will have to swear in front of Mahadev that they have no information about the child. According to local belief, anyone who lies while taking the oath may face punishment within seven days. Police rely on religious faith The police have tried strict measures, including questioning and apprehending the child’s parents. However, no progress has been made. Since both families are religious, the police are now using this as an emotional angle, hoping that the oath before Mahadev will compel them to reveal information. Excuses from both sides The mother, Sapna Pal, and her relatives claimed they had named some suspects, including friends of the child’s paternal uncle and neighbours, but those people were not present. The father, Dalbir Singh, and his family said that the elder brother of the mother’s family was missing since the incident, and therefore, they could not take the oath. Both sides avoided swearing and postponed the matter. Mahadev’s court to reconvene The case will be reconvened on 2 December. Both families will now be required to take the “dharam” (oath) by placing some money and swearing that the child is not with them. The oath is believed to bring punishment if anyone lies. Police suspect family members Over 30 days have passed, but Ritesh Pal is still missing. Police continue to suspect the child’s mother, Sapna Pal, and maternal aunt, Jyoti Pal. Sapna Pal maintains her innocence, saying that the police are putting pressure on them but are also trying their best. She still hopes that her son will return safely. CCTV footage offers no clues The police scanned over 400 CCTV cameras in nearby areas and along roads leading to the highway. They found no footage of Ritesh. Some suspicious individuals were spotted, but nothing concrete has emerged to aid the investigation