Philly police still seeking help finding missing toddler Saanvi Venna, reward goes to $50K
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has intensified the search for a 10-month-old Indian baby who was abducted from her parents’ apartment in a Philadelphia suburb earlier this week.
Satyavathi Venna, the child’s grandmother, was found dead on the scene when authorities arrived, who then determined the child was missing and issued an Amber Alert.
The details of Satyavathi’s death are not being released as the police turn to the public for help and answers.
Thursday officials announced that the reward is being offered for information leading to the safe return of Saanvi Venna has increased to $50,000.
The Philly Inquirer quoted Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman as saying, “We do not want to do anything that would jeopardise the child’s safety.”
Pointing out that “the search and rescue operation” is also underway and therefore “this is not a typical homicide investigation”, the District Attorney said, “All of our resources are focused on finding Saanvi and reuniting her with her parents. The search for the child is intricately connected to the homicide investigation.”
The girl’s father, Venkata Konda Siva Venna, and mother, Chenchu Latha Punuru, immigrated to the U.S. from India in February 2007 and moved to the apartment in June. They have been making public pleas for the safe return of the child.
Saanvi’s uncle Ram Venna sought everyone’s help in finding the infant. “Please call the police if you have any information that can help in locating Saanvi. All the family is grieving my mother’s tragic death and praying for the safe return of my niece Saanvi. I hope we can successfully locate Saanvi,” Ram said.