In a swift and coordinated operation, Himachal Pradesh Police successfully located the three Bishop Cotton School (BCS) Shimla students who had gone missing on Saturday, finding them safe within 24 hours of their disappearance. The boys, all Class 6 students from Karnal, Mohali, and Kullu, were reported missing after failing to return from an outing on Mall Road.

Police have also arrested a 45-year-old man, identified as Sumit Sood, a resident of Kokunala village in Kotkhai tehsil, on charges of kidnapping the minors. The students were found at his residence during a search operation in the Kotkhai area of Shimla district.

Following a written complaint from Bishop Cotton School Principal Matthew P. John, an FIR (No. 20/2025) under Section 137(B) (kidnapping) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, was registered at New Shimla Police Station. Multiple police teams were formed, and CCTV footage from various locations was meticulously examined to track the boys’ movements. Acting on specific intelligence, officers identified the suspect’s house, leading to the safe recovery of the students on Sunday morning.

Director General of Police (DGP) Himachal Pradesh, IPS Ashok Tiwari, congratulated SSP Shimla and the entire police team for their dedication and efficiency, stating, “This success reflects the new face of Himachal Pradesh Police, where every rank works together as one team to deliver swift and effective results. The force remains committed to safeguarding the lives and security of citizens, and this recovery highlights their professionalism and commitment.”

Bishop Cotton School, one of India’s most prestigious boarding institutions, had raised immediate concern when the boys went missing, prompting a high-priority search operation. The successful recovery has brought immense relief to the school community and the families of the students. Police are now investigating the motive behind the alleged kidnapping.