False messages about kidnapping attempts in housing societies have spread across various neighbourhoods in Pune
Pune: A wave of anxiety has spread across several residential neighbourhoods in the city after social media messages warning about an unknown woman allegedly attempting to lure children began circulating widely on housing society groups. The messages claimed that a well-spoken woman, conversing in Hindi and English, is entering society premises and tried to coax children playing inside by offering them sweets and asking them to step outside.
“Even if a child is 10 minutes late returning from tuition within the society, parents were seen panicking.
Sunchika Mhatre from Kothrud said repeated forwards made the rumour feel believable. We became extra cautious, but it also made children unnecessarily fearful,” she said. Nowadays, I accompany my children to the society’s playground just to be safe,” said Sneha Kulkarni, a mother of two from Undri. In Wanowrie, parent Radhika Sharma said that the panic caused by such messages has resulted in fights among parents and their children. After the clarification from the police was posted on our society’s WhatsApp group, other residents started talking about how guards must be more vigilant,” said Sharma.
Despite this official clarification, the psychological impact has been significant. Parents across societies say children’s outdoor routines have changed, playtime hours have been reduced, movement within complexes is being monitored more closely, and families are exercising heightened caution. residents say the unverified messages amplified fear beyond reasonable concern While vigilance around children’s safety is essential and strangers should always be approached carefully. “When you receive the same message from multiple groups, it starts feeling real even if there is no proof. “The message came late at night and within minutes, everyone was discussing security measures. Even after learning it was false, the fear lingered. Parents of teenagers are also scared.