VISAKHAPATNAM : Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has intensified search operations to trace the missing six-year-old Aditi, following instructions from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Municipal minister P Narayana. Aditi’s father C Srinivas, who met Chandrababu Naidu during the latter’s visit to the city Tuesday was briefed on the incident and suspicion of foul play. Chandrababu Naidu, expressing concern over the incident, ordered the police to investigate from all angles, including kidnap.
Search operations in Lawson’s Bay beach by local fishermen, police and fire officials continued for the fifth day. Minister Narayana along with GVMC Commissioner J Pravin Kumar inspected the search operations underway in the drains at HB Colony area and Chakaligedda area. However, the sanitary staff did not find any trace of Aditi even after blocking the drains at some places.
Srinivas and local authorities explained to Chandrababu Naidu the progress of the search operations. Sources said that Srinivas also expressed his anguish that Aditi’s disappearance could be foul play by someone for ransom. Chandrababu Naidu promised to take all necessary action. The CM asked city police commissioner Amit Garg to launch an intensive investigation. It may be recalled that the police have also started investigation by a team led by DCP (Zone I) CM Trivikrama Varma after registering an FIR.
Narayana went to Aditi’s house at Seethammadhara and spoke to the family members. The police had interrogated the driver, who was at the spot when Aditi fell into the drain. Aditi’s friend, who is a 13-year-old and Class VIII student of Timpany School, is the only eyewitness in the case. The police said that the girl also reported to the police that she had seen Aditi falling into the drain. As the body could not be traced even after a massive search, Aditi’s family suspects foul play.