Mumbai Police on Sunday dismissed as misleading a series of messages circulating on social media claiming a rise in cases of children going missing from the city, asserting that such posts do not reflect the actual situation on the ground.
In an official clarification issued on X, the Mumbai Police said it treats every case of a missing child with the “utmost seriousness and empathy” and follows strict legal and procedural protocols while handling such complaints. The police emphasised that, in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment in Bachpan Bachao Aandolan vs Union of India, all cases involving missing minors are mandatorily registered as kidnapping cases to ensure immediate and comprehensive investigation.
Facts About Misleading Messages regarding Children Missing from Mumbai.#MumbaiPolice4All pic.twitter.com/DmkT5G00DJ
— मुंबई पोलीस Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) December 14, 2025
Sharing official data, the police said that over the past five years, around 98 per cent of minors reported missing in Mumbai—defined as children up to the age of 18—have been successfully traced and reunited with their families. “This year is no exception,” the statement said, underlining the force’s sustained track record in resolving such cases.
The police added that search operations continue relentlessly until every missing child is located. Citing a recent example, they said a four-year-old girl who had gone missing from Mumbai six months ago was recently traced and rescued from Varanasi by a team from MRA Marg police station, highlighting the inter-state coordination involved in such efforts.
According to the police, multiple teams—including the Crime Branch, local police units and specialised cells—are routinely deployed to trace missing children and ensure swift action in each case. “For us, every child matters and every family matters,” the Mumbai Police said, reaffirming its commitment to child safety.
The police also appealed to citizens to avoid believing or sharing unverified information on social media and urged them to rely only on official sources for accurate updates, warning that misinformation can cause unnecessary panic and distress.
Raj Thackeray urges Maharashtra government to act on rising child abductions
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday highlighted the growing menace of child abductions and missing children in the state, urging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take urgent and concrete action.
In a post on X, Thackeray said the number of children being abducted or going missing in Maharashtra has risen by nearly 30 per cent between 2021 and 2024, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data. He expressed concern over inter-state gangs that abduct children, force them into labour, or make them beg, and criticised the government’s perceived inaction.
“Some cases are registered, and official responses often mention children recovered and returned safely. Maharashtra does not need such generic answers,” Thackeray wrote. He questioned how many cases never even reach the police and highlighted the psychological trauma children face even after being rescued.
Thackeray also raised concerns over children seen begging on streets, bus stands, and stations, urging investigations into whether the adults accompanying them are really their parents, and suggesting DNA tests if necessary.
The MNS chief called for legislative discussions on child abductions, missing girls, and illegal land grabs, questioning the effectiveness of the Winter Session if ministers are often absent and critical issues go unaddressed.
He added that the central government should coordinate with states to tackle the problem, but suggested it is currently distracted by other matters. “Maharashtra expects the Chief Minister and Home Minister to pay attention and take concrete steps, not just facilitate a discussion in the assembly,” he said.
