Jaipur, April 7 Rajasthan DGP U.R. Sahu appeared before the high court on Monday in connection with cases of missing minor girls from Jaipur district.
During the hearing, a division bench led by Justice Indrajit Singh criticised the lack of seriousness among police officials, especially up to the DSP level, in handling such sensitive cases.
The court remarked that investigations often don’t begin until several days after a missing report is filed. It noted that if the police initiated investigations within two to three days, the chances of recovering the missing individuals would be significantly higher.
Highlighting the disparity in responses, the bench said they often summon SHOs first, but no concrete action follows.
However, once SP-level officers are involved, prompt action and even recoveries are made. The court suggested that perhaps SPs should be summoned in every such case to ensure timely and effective action.
In response, DGP Sahu stated that the police are committed to tracing missing persons, claiming a 96 per cent recovery rate across the state. However, around 6,500 people are still missing.
He informed the court that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been developed to guide the investigation of missing cases. The government also told the court that cells have been formed under IG-level officers in every district to handle such cases and assured that efforts would be made to activate and strengthen these units further.
During the hearing, the court referenced recent media reports about a successful campaign led by IG Ajaypal Lamba, under which 827 individuals with criminal backgrounds were arrested.
The bench questioned why similar large-scale efforts aren't undertaken when it comes to tracing missing minor girls.
Advocate N.S. Gurjar, representing the case, noted that the court emphasised the need for special focus on cases involving minors.
He added that the court expressed concern that even when accused individuals are named, police often delay questioning the accused’s family members for months.
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