Tue Jan 13 05:30:52 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Karnataka Students’ Abduction Foiled by Accused’s Motorcycle Accident

The Story:
In a bizarre turn of events in Dharwad, Karnataka, two Class 3 students, Tanveer Dodmani and Lakshmi Kariyappanavar, were allegedly abducted from their government primary school during lunch break on Monday, January 12, 2026. The children were traced in Uttara Kannada after the accused, identified as Karim Mestri, was involved in a motorcycle accident near Dandeli. Mestri reportedly claimed he was taking the children to the Ulavi Chennabasaveshwara Jatra.

Following the incident, local police initiated a search operation after CCTV footage showed Mestri riding away with the children, sparking panic among parents and residents. The children were safely returned to their parents after being found at the accident site. Karim Mestri is currently hospitalized for injuries sustained in the accident and is under investigation.

Key Points:

  • Two Class 3 students, Tanveer Dodmani and Lakshmi Kariyappanavar, went missing from a government primary school in Dharwad, Karnataka, on Monday, January 12, 2026.
  • The children were allegedly abducted by a man identified as Karim Mestri.
  • CCTV footage captured Mestri riding away with the children on a motorcycle.
  • The children were found in Uttara Kannada after Mestri had a motorcycle accident near Dandeli.
  • Mestri claimed he was taking the children to the Ulavi Chennabasaveshwara Jatra.
  • The children were safely returned to their parents, and Mestri is hospitalized and under investigation.

Critical Analysis:

The related historical context includes a report of kidnapping and sexual assault of a woman in Karnataka just one day prior to this incident (Sun, Jan 11, 2026). This suggests a potential concerning trend of abduction-related crimes in the region. The mention of other incidents, such as the gang rape in Rajasthan, and the skier caught in an avalanche, doesn’t directly impact the analysis of this specific event in Karnataka.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incident highlights the vulnerability of children in schools and the need for enhanced security measures.
  • The quick response by local police and the fortunate accident led to the safe recovery of the children.
  • The proximity of this incident to another abduction case in Karnataka points to a possible increase in such crimes, requiring further investigation and preventative action by law enforcement.
  • The claim by the accused that he was taking the children to a religious festival needs thorough verification to determine his true motives.

Impact Analysis:

This event, coupled with the prior report of sexual assault and kidnapping, may lead to increased public concern and pressure on local authorities in Karnataka. The local government may need to reassess safety protocols in schools, increase police presence in vulnerable areas, and implement community awareness programs to combat abduction and related crimes. This could also lead to increased vigilance among parents and communities, potentially impacting children’s freedom of movement and participation in unsupervised activities.

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