Gangtok, March 18 -- A shocking case of a staged kidnapping has come to light after a minor girl allegedly faked her own abduction and attempted to extort money from her family, police officials confirmed on Wednesday.

According to an official statement issued by Sadar Police Station, panic had spread among the public following the circulation of a message on social media claiming that a minor girl had been kidnapped and a ransom was being demanded. Acting swiftly on the information, police launched an immediate investigation to trace the girl.

A special police team was dispatched to Siliguri to conduct search operations and verify the claims. After coordinated efforts, the girl was located later in the evening at the SNT area in Siligu...