File image of 27-year-old Bhawana Sharma who went missing on Friday, found in Shillong (Photo: Meta)
Guwahati, April 25: Police on Saturday categorically ruled out any kidnapping in the case of the missing Guwahati-based school teacher, stating that she had left home on her own due to mental distress and travelled independently to Shillong in Meghalaya.
Addressing the media, West Guwahati Additional Superintendent of Police Maytri Deka said that the investigation has so far found no evidence of abduction or criminal involvement.
"Bhawana Sharma was not kidnapped. She left her home voluntarily, without any prior planning, due to mental anxiety," Deka said, adding that the conclusion was based on evidence collected during the course of the investigation.
Providing a detailed timeline of her movements, the officer said Sharma stepped out of her residence around 10:30 am and booked a Rapido ride to AEC Point.
"After reaching AEC Point, she paid the rider and proceeded on foot to an ATM in Jalukbari, where she withdrew Rs 7,000," Deka stated.
She then boarded an ASTC bus to Paltan Bazar and subsequently hired a cab to travel to Shillong.
"From Paltan Bazar, she took a cab and went to Shillong for personal reasons. She booked a hotel there and stayed overnight. She was alone," Deka said.
The police further clarified that Sharma had switched off her mobile phone during this period because she was mentally exhausted.
"She switched off her phone as she was mentally drained and upset. There was no threat to her safety," the officer said.
Deka also dismissed any allegations against transport service providers.
"No cab driver is being blamed. Neither Uber nor Rapido is involved in any wrongdoing. Her statement does not include any such allegations," she added.
Referring to the distress message sent by Sharma to her mother before she went missing, Deka said it stemmed from emotional distress rather than any real danger.
"The message she sent was out of depression. There was no threat element involved," she clarified.
While confirming that Sharma is now safe, the police said that the exact personal reasons behind her actions are still being examined.
"We can disclose the reason only after the investigation is complete. Assam Police and the Special Task Force are continuing the probe," Deka said.
The clarification comes after Sharma's disappearance had triggered panic among family members and the public, especially following the distress message she had sent before going incommunicado.
Sharma, a 27-year-old resident of Tetelia and formerly associated with Miles Bronson Residential School near Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, was traced in Shillong's Polo area early Saturday morning.