Kota: Tension gripped political circles in Baran after the mysterious disappearance of a BJP candidate for Ward 16, along with her husband and their minor son. The family went missing shortly after voting concluded for the first phase of the Baran Municipal Council elections Wednesday.BJP candidate Antima Yadav, her husband Sanjay Yadav—both advocates—were present at Ambedkar Bhavan polling booth in Ward 16 until the voting concluded at 6pm Wednesday. After the polling concluded, the couple, along with their son, left the booth but failed to return home.On the report by the candidate’s family the next day, police lodged a case of kidnapping against unidentified individuals at Baran city Kotwali and launched a search for the trio; however, they remained untraced till Saturday evening.Confirming a case of kidnapping against unidentified persons, additional superintendent of police (ASP) Baran, Sourabh Tiwari, said an FIR was registered Thursday regarding the incident involving the abduction of the candidate, her husband, and their minor son.“Technical investigation is currently ongoing to trace the missing trio. We are analysing all technical aspects and evidence to conclude the investigation and trace their whereabouts soon,” ASP Tiwari said.The incident caused significant disruption in the regional political landscape as Baran BJP district president Naresh Sikarwal alleged political foul play by opposition camps behind the disappearance.‘She is not in contact with our party organisation. If she is missing from us, it is obvious that the rival camp has engineered this disappearance,’ Sikarwal claimed.Party officials added that BJP maintained a strong position in Ward 16 and expected a victory. Police teams continue to carry out technical investigations and search operations to locate the missing family.
