In 3 yrs, 20,053 NCR kids reported missing

Over 20,000 children went missing from the NCR in the past three years with Delhi topping the list by reporting around 95 per cent of the cases.

Over 20,000 children went missing from the NCR in the past three years with Delhi topping the list by reporting around 95 per cent of the cases.

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However, the silver lining is that of the 20,053 minors who went missing, 17,381 were reunited with their parents.

According to official statistics, Delhi reported the largest number of cases with 19,084 in the past three years with 2007 registering highest number of cases at 6,870, followed by 2008 (6,268) and 2009 (5,946).

A total of 16,628 children were rescued later.

“There is a decline in the trend in the national capital in the past three years. We have taken steps to ensure that the missing children are reunited with their families,” a senior Delhi Police official said. “We immediately register cases of missing children,” he added.

There are cases of missing children in the capital’s satellite towns, with Ghaziabad topping the list with 513 cases in the past three years followed by Noida (243) and Gurgaon (213).

According to the data, 202 children from Noida have been rescued. The figures for Ghaziabad and Gurgaon are 143 and 108 respectively.

With regard to Delhi Police, the official said whenever the involvement of any organised gang is found, the Investigating Officer is required to refer the matter to Delhi Police’s Crime Branch or Special Cell.