Nagpur: As many as 639 women who went missing in the last five years are still untraceable in Nagpur, as revealed by the data procured by Nagpur Today. According to Nagpur Police, between 2019 and 2023, a total of 8,466 females went missing from the Second Capital of the State. While 7,857 were traced, 639 women are still untraceable, as per Nagpur Police’s data.
In 2019, 1,970 women had gone missing, while 1,859 were successfully traced; 109 women are still untraceable.
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Sat 14 Dec. 2024
With the lockdown in place, the figures witnessed a slight drop in 2020, with 1,343 women gone missing, 1,250 being traced, and 93 remaining untraceable.
As the lockdown eased in 2021, the number again rose, with 1,648 women going missing, 1,513 being traced, and 167 remaining untraced.
The year 2022 saw an alarming rise in the cases of both missing and untraceable women in recent times. In 2022, 1,809 women went missing, out of which 1,634 were traced, while a whopping 175 remained untraceable.
In 2023, cases witnessed a drop again, with 1,696 women reported missing, 1,601 being traced, and 95 being untraceable.
Within the timeframe from 2019 to May 2023, a concerning number of 7,413 women and 1,469 minor girls were reported missing in Nagpur. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the then Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar took decisive action by establishing the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), resulting in significant progress in locating missing girls.
However, the search for the remaining 639 women is still ongoing, with authorities dedicating resources and employing a multi-level approach to locate and bring them back safely.
Disturbingly, incidents involving the abduction of minor girls through coercion into love affairs have come to light. Additionally, cases include girls fleeing from family disputes and instances where girls are forced into prostitution, drug abuse, or criminal activities.
The establishment of the AHTU signifies a proactive approach in combating human trafficking, protecting vulnerable individuals, and bringing those responsible for such crimes to justice.
As the search for the remaining ‘Laapata Ladies’ continues, it is crucial for the community, authorities, and stakeholders to collaborate closely to create a safe environment for girls and women in Nagpur. Addressing the underlying factors that contribute to these disappearances, such as social issues, family disputes, and criminal networks, is paramount in ensuring the long-term safety and well-being of the city’s residents.
..Shubham Nagdeve
