On 17/9, Quan was detained by Tay Ninh Provincial Police on suspicion of abduction of a minor under 16.

Ho Van Quan at the police station. Photo: Hong Tuyet

Last night, the family of a first-grade girl in Tan Phu commune (formerly Tan Chau district) reported that their daughter had not returned home from school. Surveillance footage from around the school showed her being taken away on a motorbike by an unknown man. The Criminal Investigation Department immediately coordinated with Tan Phu Commune Police to search for the girl.

After five hours of tracking, past midnight, the task force located the victim being held in Ho Van Quan's custard apple orchard in Tan Loi B hamlet. Under the cover of darkness, investigators approached and apprehended Quan, rescuing the girl. The victim showed no signs of assault or injury.

During questioning, Quan stated that he had been drinking with friends yesterday afternoon. While driving back to his orchard hut, he saw the girl standing alone by the road and offered to "take her home." After she got on the motorbike, he drove her to his hut. When the girl cried and asked to go home in the evening, Quan told her he would take her back the next day.

Quan tested negative for drugs, and authorities are investigating his motives.

Tay Ninh Police emphasized that the abduction of a person under 16 is a serious crime, violating personal freedom and causing profound harm to a child's physical, mental development, and future. This act not only violates the law but also goes against moral standards, causing public outrage.

Hong Tuyet - Nhat Vy