Spurt in missing person cases

Of the cases reported this month, 16 were girls or women and 19 were minors below the age of 18. The youngest missing person was a six-year-old boy and the oldest, aged 76. Just seven returned home after the registration of non-cognisable cases jaanvajog fariyad.

The reasons cited for the disappearance are as varied as the people disappearing. They range from the elopements, to anger at being chided, failure at examinations or rejection in a love affair. Besides, there are the mentally ill, who may not be able to make their way back home.

But, as a rule, if the missing person is anywhere between the ages of 15 and 25, the first conjecture is an elopement, and the reassurance, that he or she would return as soon as the money dried up.

Police officials here say that one reason they cannot track down persons reported missing is the families8217; tendency to approach the police after launching a search themselves. 8220;In most cases, they come to us with a complaint two or three days after the person goes missing, at which point things become a bit difficult8221;, said a PSI.

The police often register non-cognisable offences in missing person cases, too, as there is a strong possibility that a body will be recovered subsequently. A head constable or a junior policeman investigates such cases; after a body is discovered, a superior officer takes charge of it.