Key facts
- Gujarat Police traced 1,470 missing persons during the month-long 'Operation Milap'.
- The majority of traced individuals were women and children.
- Surat City Police recorded the highest number of recoveries with 341 individuals.
- The operation utilized technical and human intelligence, reviewing old case records and conducting field verification.
- Causes for disappearances included romantic relationships, elopement, family disputes, and migration.
Gujarat Police successfully traced 1,470 missing individuals, including a significant number of women and children, during the month-long statewide initiative 'Operation Milap'. The drive, which commenced on May 7, focused on reviewing and investigating pending missing persons cases.
Of the total traced, 852 were women, 342 were men, 234 were minor girls, and 42 were minor boys. Surat City Police led the recoveries, tracing 341 missing persons. The operation utilized a combination of technical and human intelligence, thorough review of old case records, and field-level verification, including examination of digital records, social media, transport hubs, and shelter homes.
Officials identified romantic relationships and elopement, particularly among girls aged 14 to 17, as leading causes for disappearances. Family disputes, parental reprimand, academic setbacks, and labor migration were also cited as contributing factors. The operation resolved cases dating back to 2007 and involved interstate coordination with several other Indian states.
Newly appointed Gujarat DGP GS Malik emphasized that efforts to trace missing persons will continue alongside routine policing duties. The initiative is part of Gujarat Police's broader strategy focused on citizen-centric policing, women's safety, and child protection.