An 11-year-old U.S. citizen who had been missing since May 12, 2025 was recovered on August 4, 2025, in Kulgam district, Jammu & Kashmir, police confirmed. The boy had been living in India under the care of a couple from Jalandhar, identified as Shaminder Kaur and her husband Ajitpal Singh. Both have since been arrested.
The minor was initially brought to India by his father from the U.S. at around 18 months old. After a separation, the father obtained custody and hired the couple to care for the child, while residing in Poland. Communication with the caregivers abruptly ceased on May 12, prompting the U.S. Embassy and family to file a missing-person report.
Based on human intelligence and digital evidence, Kapurthala police tracked the abductors to a remote village in Kulgam. They apprehended both suspects and safely recovered the child. The motive behind the alleged abduction remains unclear and is under investigation. Authorities have filed a case under Section 140 (kidnapping) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. US Embassy officials have been informed to facilitate the child’s safe return.
