The police are not the only agency that help send missing children back to their parents. Often, the reunion has been orchestrated by one of the city’s non-profits (NGOs).
“NGOs such as Pratham, CRY and Childline have helped us solve missing children cases in the past,” said inspector Tukaram Kate.
Police officials say they often seek help from various NGOs to track down the children, the added manpower aiding the process.
“Childline is not extensively involved in the investigations, but when someone calls on the helpline (1098), including the police, we rescue the children and send them to a shelter home,” said Nishit Kumar, head of communications at Childline.
Kumar said they step in when the antecedent of the child is not known and they need immediate protection.
“When someone reports a missing case or a child that they have found to us, we alert our network across the country and transmit the description of the child over it,” Kumar added.
After the missing minor is found, Childline coordinates with the shelter homes so the child is not homeless until parents or relatives are found.