Thane: The issue of missing children in Bhiwandi has escalated significantly, leading to heightened public concern. Over the past six months, 142 children, comprising 47 boys and 95 girls, have vanished from the area. In response, the Bhiwandi police have undertaken extensive investigations and successfully located 126 of these missing children, reuniting them with their families.
The increase in missing minors has created numerous challenges for local law enforcement. The police, faced with this alarming rise, registered kidnapping cases and employed technical tools and CCTV surveillance to assist in their search. Investigation findings suggest that many children left home for various reasons, including familial disputes, deceptive romantic promises, and academic pressure.
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A significant number of the missing girls were reportedly lured into relationships, resulting in their abduction to other states. The police collaborated with other state forces to locate and rescue these individuals. Anecdotal evidence indicates that external pressures from parental expectations and romantic pursuits often contribute to children’s decisions to leave home. The Supreme Court's directives to classify these incidents as kidnappings have led to a more accurate record of these cases, making the issue more visible.
The data shows a worrying trend, particularly in the months following school exam results, where children often flee due to academic disappointment or parental anger. The situation has prompted increased anxiety among parents, particularly in a densely populated city like Bhiwandi. Between January and June, 142 minors went missing, with 44 boys and 82 girls successfully traced; however, as of now, 16 children remain unaccounted for.
In Bhiwandi, police stations have established specialized teams to find missing minors, achieving a remarkable 90% success rate in investigations. Recovered children receive counseling before being reunited with families. Some investigations uncover physical abuse, leading to charges under the POCSO Act.
A recent case of a 14-year-old girl abducted in Narpoli emphasizes these issues, as her mother reported an unidentified suspect. Mental health professionals, like Dr. Vijay Teli, stress the importance of improved parent-child communication, especially amidst digital distractions. Parents are urged to engage more with their children to prevent disappearances and provide emotional support while guiding them through adolescent challenges.
