12-year-old boy reappears after two days missing; alleged mistreatment investigated

A 12-year-old boy who went missing on Wednesday, August 19, from the Villa Madrid neighborhood in Limpio, Paraguay, returned to his home on Friday evening. According to National Police, the minor arrived on his own accord around 9:00 PM and showed no signs of physical injury. A medical diagnosis confirmed he was lucid and without visible wounds.

During his two-day absence, the boy stayed in the Trinidad area, reportedly selling goods on the street with another minor. Neighbors confirmed seeing him in the vicinity. The boy's mother stated that his disappearance followed a family argument after he hit one of his younger sisters during play. She spent the night searching for him near a bus stop.

A maternal aunt has verbally accused the stepfather of mistreatment and drug use, though this complaint has not yet been formally filed. The mother vehemently denied these allegations to the press, calling them "lies" and suggesting personal conflicts between her and her sister might be the cause.

In light of the incident, the mother, who has six children, has decided to temporarily relinquish custody of all of them to their biological father, who resides in the Chaco region. The process will be formalized with the Municipal Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents (Codeni). The children are expected to live with their maternal grandmother, who is reportedly ill.

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It's a lie.