Palamu Police intensify search for missing children

PNS

Daltonganj

The Palamu Police have intensified efforts to trace nearly three dozen children reported missing or kidnapped over the past decade, Superintendent of Police (SP) Kapil Chaudhary said on Thursday during his first crime review meeting since assuming charge.

Addressing mediapersons after a meeting, Chaudhary said around 36 cases of missing and kidnapped children are currently under active investigation. These cases span periods ranging from one year to as long as ten years.

“Some of these children have been traced living far away from their homes and are trying to earn a livelihood elsewhere. However, their families continue to maintain that they are missing or were kidnapped. The police are working on all such cases,” the SP said.

The police chief also outlined a series of measures being taken to strengthen law and order in the district. Anti-crime checking operations have been divided into urban and peripheral zones to improve surveillance and enforcement. During one such checking drive in a peripheral area, police recovered a motorcycle that was later found to be stolen.

Given Palamu’s long and porous border with Bihar, special emphasis is being placed on border security and vehicle checking operations. Chaudhary said five check posts are functioning round the clock depending on operational requirements to monitor movement and curb criminal activities.

The SP acknowledged that the district continues to face a considerable backlog of criminal cases pending for five years or more. He said efforts are underway to expedite investigations and reduce pendency.

Police have also begun maintaining close surveillance on accused persons released on bail to prevent their involvement in further criminal activities. As part of a crackdown on narcotics, station house officers have been directed to identify areas within their jurisdictions where illegal trade in substances such as marijuana and brown sugar is being carried out.