Bhubaneswar: An alleged attempt to abduct three young women and a minor girl from the Baramunda Bus Stand in Bhubaneswar was foiled late Monday night after security personnel intervened and rescued the victims.

According to preliminary information, the four were allegedly being taken out of Odisha when they managed to escape and sought refuge inside the bus terminal. Fearing for their safety, they hid in lanes and underneath parked buses to avoid being caught.

Eyewitnesses claimed that several women employees associated with an NGO-run Ashram were seen chasing the girls on the bus stand premises. The commotion drew the attention of security personnel, who stepped in and rescued the victims.

The girls reportedly informed security staff that they were being taken against their will. The victims were subsequently handed over to the police at the Baramunda Bus Stand outpost for further probe.

Following questioning, all four were shifted to a stay home for protection and counselling.

Cops suspect that the girls were being trafficked to another state. The alleged involvement of employees linked to the Ashram has also come under scrutiny. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the bus stand and surrounding areas to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible.

Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident.