Two teenaged cousins have been missing from home in Faridkot since October 17. Belonging to BSF families, their disappearance has caused panic, with the police failing to make any headway in its investigations. HT grills Faridkot City DSP Jaswinderpal Sharma on the lack of progress in the disappearance of Harshit Sharma and Adarsh Sharma, 16 and 15, respectively.
It has been four months since the teens went missing. The police have been clueless. Why?
We have done everything possible to track the missing boys. We investigated their call details, got their photographs published in the CIA gazette of the state police, which is also accessible to the National Crime Records Bureau. Advertisements have also been given in leading newspapers and cable TV channels. Everything under the rules has been tried. Even the media has been asked for help.
The boys were carrying a mobile handset. Has not the phone been used all this time? What have you done in this regard?
We have put the mobile phone on national surveillance using the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number and we will know immediately if a call has been made, using that handset.
You are liable to be accused of laxity, the longer it takes to crack the case.
Not correct at all. We have been doing our job effectively. Many suspects have also been questioned with a police party also sent to Dabwali in Haryana. We have also alerted officers and workers along the Rajasthan Canal for any sign of bodies.
You are liable to be accused of laxity, the longer it takes to crack the case.
Not correct at all. We have been doing our job effectively. Many suspects have also been questioned with a police party also sent to Dabwali in Haryana. We have also alerted officers and workers along the Rajasthan Canal for any sign of bodies.
Have you run out of options now?
No. We are trying our best. I am heading a special investigation team and different theories are being explored.
What are the preventive steps, if any, taken to check such incidents?
Awareness is the first step. We advise parents to be watchful of the activities of their children, check their mobiles and calls made.