New Delhi: The sudden disappearance of a child is not merely a crisis for a single family; it also poses a significant challenge for the police. Recognizing that every minute counts in such cases, the Delhi Police has taken steps to sharpen its investigative framework. As part of this initiative, a special joint training session was organized for approximately 268 police personnel from the Central and North districts. The objective is clear: ensuring immediate action upon receiving any report of a disappearance, conducting swift investigations, and securing the safe recovery of missing children and individuals.
The training program, held at the Awan-e-Ghalib Auditorium in the Central district, was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-II, Prashant Chaudhary. Participants included Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs), Station House Officers (SHOs), investigating officers, and other police personnel. Senior Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava and the Principal Magistrate of the Juvenile Justice Board-II, Kritika Chaturvedi, provided crucial insights into legal provisions and the intricacies of conducting investigations.
The Mantra: Swift Action Within the First 24 Hours
The training emphasized that the first 24 hours in any disappearance case are critical. Regardless of the age of the missing person, no complaint is to be treated lightly. The importance of registering an FIR without unnecessary delay—in accordance with the law—and initiating immediate police action was underscored. Furthermore, the responsibilities of investigating officers were clarified under Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) No. 18/2024.
Technology as a Powerful Tool for the Police
Instructions were issued to promptly upload details of missing persons onto the ZIPNET (Zonal Integrated Police Network) portal, notify control rooms in neighboring districts, and ensure widespread dissemination of information through radio, television, newspapers, and social media. Special emphasis was also placed on crime scene investigation, evidence collection, and the identification of sensitive cases.
Accountability for Negligence
Senior officers were tasked with reviewing pending cases every fortnight, maintaining accurate case diaries, and closely monitoring the progress of ongoing investigations. The discussion also covered significant court rulings concerning human trafficking, the safety of newborns, and the rehabilitation of victims. During the event, Prashant Chaudhary and ACP (Karol Bagh) Shivam honored Senior Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava and Principal Magistrate Kritika Chaturvedi by presenting them with mementos. This initiative, organized under the leadership of DCP Rohit Rajbir Singh, conveyed a unified message to all police personnel: every case of a missing person is a priority, and no family’s hope should be allowed to fade.
