Fear of Mother’s Scolding Sends 11-Year-Old into Hiding in Kanpur; Found Neighbouring House After Two Hours

A peculiar incident unfolded in Kanpur on Monday, bringing to life the saying “the child is next door, but the search is across the city.” An 11-year-old boy, reported missing by his family, was eventually found hiding inside a divan in a neighbouring house, nearly two hours after an extensive search and police intervention.

The incident occurred in Yogendra Vihar locality under Hanumant Vihar police station limits. According to police, the boy went missing around 11 am while riding his bicycle outside his house, triggering panic among family members.

Police Launch Search Operation

Unable to locate the child, the family approached the police, following which a missing person report was registered and a search operation was launched. Police teams, along with family members, searched several nearby houses.

After inspecting four houses, the police reached the home of a neighbour, where the boy was eventually found hiding inside a divan. He was reportedly frightened and shaken, having remained hidden for nearly two hours.

Reason Behind the Incident

During preliminary questioning, it emerged that the boy had been frequently reprimanded by his mother for talking to a 13-year-old girl living in the neighbourhood. On Monday morning as well, the boy was allegedly speaking to the girl when his mother noticed and scolded him.

Fearing further reprimand, the child reportedly went into the girl’s house and hid himself inside the divan.

Official Statement

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Deependra Nath Chaudhary confirmed the incident and said, “The child hid himself due to fear of his mother’s scolding over his interaction with the neighbouring girl. He has been safely reunited with his family.”

The incident has since become a topic of discussion in the locality, highlighting how fear and misunderstanding can sometimes lead to alarming situations.