New Delhi: A 16-year-old minor girl, who had gone missing from the Indrapuri area of the capital, Delhi, was safely located thanks to the persistent efforts and technical surveillance of the Delhi Police, combined with excellent coordination with the Odisha Police. During the search, which lasted nearly two weeks, the Delhi Police pieced together every clue—from CCTV footage to mobile location data—and finally recovered the girl from Bhanjanagar in Odisha’s Ganjam district. A woman, who had also been reported missing from her own home, was found with the girl.
Daughter left home; mobile phone switched off
West District DCP Hareshwar V. Swami stated that on September 16, a resident of Indrapuri arrived at the police station to report the disappearance of his 16-year-old daughter, ‘G’. Family members informed the police that the girl had left home around 10:00 AM, after which her mobile phone was switched off. The family did not express suspicion towards any specific individual. Treating the matter seriously, the police registered an FIR under the relevant sections at the Indrapuri police station and initiated an investigation.
CCTV revealed the first clue
The investigation team began scrutinising footage from CCTV cameras installed in the surrounding areas. The footage showed the minor leaving the area carrying a bag. She was then seen boarding a three-wheeler. The footage showed no clear signs of coercion or injury. Upon questioning, the three-wheeler driver stated that he had dropped the girl off near the Patel Nagar Metro Station. Following this, the police expanded the scope of their investigation.
Mobile number led to another city
During the investigation, the police discovered that the minor had been in contact with a mobile number that was not registered in the name of any of her family members or relatives. Upon verification, the mobile number was found to be registered to a 32-year-old woman named Pooja, a resident of Budh Nagar, Delhi. Police inquiries revealed that she, too, was missing from her home, and her mobile phone was switched off. Consequently, the investigation proceeded by linking the search for both individuals.
Clues Traced from Delhi to Andhra Pradesh and Odisha
Police obtained crucial leads through technical surveillance and continuous tracking of the mobile handset. The mobile’s activity was traced from Andhra Pradesh to Odisha. Eventually, technical inputs pinpointed the mobile’s location to the Bhanjanagar area of Ganjam district. On September 26, the Delhi Police immediately shared this vital location data with the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Ganjam and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Bhanjanagar to intensify the search locally.
Family Approaches Public Hearing; DCP Takes Charge
Meanwhile, on September 27, the missing girl’s parents attended a public hearing at the Indrapuri Police Station. Their grievance was personally heard by Harshvardhan V. Swami, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for the West District. Recognizing the gravity of the matter, the DCP (West) immediately contacted senior police officials in Odisha and coordinated with the Ganjam Police, issuing instructions to locate the minor as quickly as possible.
Delhi Team Arrives in Odisha
A special team was constituted under the supervision of the Ganjam SP. The SHO of Bhanjanagar was directed to coordinate with the Delhi Police and conduct searches at potential locations based on the technical inputs. Simultaneously, an investigating team from Indrapuri Police Station—comprising Sub-Inspector Abhishek and Constable Annu—flew to Odisha. The Delhi and Ganjam police teams jointly conducted a systematic search operation at suspected locations. Following continuous technical surveillance, local inquiries, and field investigations, the minor girl and Pooja—who had also been reported missing—were safely located in Bhanjanagar, Ganjam (Odisha), on September 29. Technology and coordination paved the way to success.
Throughout this entire operation, the Delhi Police’s technical investigation, analysis of CCTV footage, continuous mobile monitoring, and coordination between the police forces of Delhi and Odisha played a crucial role. The case was fast-tracked after the family raised the issue during a public hearing, and the police team maintained steady momentum in their efforts. A lead emerged from Delhi, mobile location data pointed the way, and the police team tracked the trail all the way to Odisha. Ultimately, the conclusion of the search brought news that brought relief and joy to the family.
