Shocking Incident in Surat: 23-Year-Old Teacher Detained for Eloping with 11-Year-Old Student

Surat city is in shock after a 23-year-old female teacher allegedly eloped with her 11-year-old student, leading to a massive four-day manhunt by the local police. The case has sparked widespread discussion across the city due to the disturbing nature of the incident.

The teacher, who allegedly fled with the student on the afternoon of April 25, was finally apprehended near the Rajasthan border by the Puna police team early this morning. Both the teacher and the child have been brought back to Surat for further questioning.

Mobile Clue Led to Breakthrough

According to Puna police, the teacher’s primary mobile phone was switched off at Surat Railway Station, making it difficult to track her movements. CCTV footage from bus and railway stations did not yield any leads. However, investigators discovered that she possessed a second mobile number, which was still active. Tracking this number led the police to her location.

A team of four officers was dispatched, and the duo was located on a moving bus near Shamlaji, more than 390 km from Surat. They were detained at around 4:00 AM and are now in police custody.

Relationship Grew During Tuition

Preliminary investigations revealed that the teacher and the student had known each other for the past three years through tuition classes. While initially she taught three students, for the past year this 11-year-old had been the only student visiting her home for lessons. The families of both the teacher and student were acquainted and in regular contact.

Over time, the teacher and the student allegedly grew emotionally attached. This disturbing development appears to have culminated in the teacher planning and executing the elopement.

CCTV Shows the Escape

CCTV footage from the residential society shows the teacher walking away with the child, carrying a bag on her shoulder. The footage served as an initial clue, prompting police to launch a wide-scale search operation. Four separate teams were assigned to track the pair.

Despite scanning hours of CCTV footage from Surat Railway Station and the main bus terminal, authorities found no trace of the two boarding any public transport, suggesting they may have used private travel options.

Planned Elopement?

Police say the teacher’s actions were premeditated. Two days before the incident, she was seen purchasing a trolley bag to carry more belongings. The schoolbag seen on her shoulder during the escape was also bought a few days earlier, further suggesting deliberate planning.

The teacher had reportedly been facing pressure from her family to get married, while the student’s family had been urging him to focus on academics. Investigators believe these circumstances may have contributed to the incident.

Investigation Ongoing

The child, who is the son of a grocery trader and studies in Class 5, is safe and undergoing counseling. The teacher is currently being questioned to determine her exact intentions and whether anyone else was involved in aiding their escape.

This unusual and troubling case has raised serious concerns in the community, particularly regarding child safety and the responsibilities of educators. Police are continuing their investigation into the motives and possible criminal elements involved.