In a significant effort to address the issue of missing persons, authorities in Ganjam district have conducted a successful rescue operation, bringing hope to many families. Over the past four days, a total of 111 missing individuals have been safely recovered from various locations within the state and beyond. This initiative, known as 'Operation Anweshan', was launched on January 21 with the primary goal of rescuing missing children and women, demonstrating a strong commitment to public safety and welfare.
Details of the Rescue Drive
The rescued individuals comprise 20 children and 91 women, highlighting the vulnerable groups often affected by such disappearances. The operation has been carried out diligently by police teams across different areas, showcasing coordinated efforts to tackle this pressing social issue.
Notable Cases from the Operation
Among the rescued, a poignant case involves a 22-year-old woman, a mother to a 16-month-old daughter, who was attempting to flee to Mumbai from her in-laws' home in a village under the Khallikote police station limits. She was rescued on Friday from Bhubaneswar railway station, preventing a potentially risky journey. According to Ramesh Chandra Pradhan, inspector in-charge of Khallikote police station, she was going to Mumbai to meet a man she had befriended on social media. The police have since reunited her with her family, ensuring her safety and well-being.
Another heartwarming rescue involved a 14-year-old boy who allegedly ran away from his home in Tulasipur under Khallikote police station limits back in 2015. After years of separation, he was traced and rescued from Kerala, where he now works in a private company at the age of 25. Pradhan explained that information about his stay in Kerala was received from sources, leading to his location near Thiruvananthapuram. The parents, who had lost all contact with their son since his disappearance, were joyfully reunited with him, marking a emotional end to a long period of uncertainty.
Police Efforts and Statistics
Subhendu Patra, SP of Berhampur, provided detailed insights into the operation, stating that in the last four days, 20 children—comprising 4 boys and 16 girls—along with 91 women have been rescued from various places. The police stations involved showed commendable performance, with Chhatrapur and Purushottampur police rescuing 13 people each, followed by Polasara with 11, Khallikote with 10, and Bhanjanagar with 9 rescues during this period.
Continuation of the Operation
Patra emphasized that the special operation, Operation Anweshan, will continue until the end of January, indicating an ongoing commitment to locating and rescuing more missing persons. This proactive approach aims to provide closure to families and enhance community safety, reflecting the dedication of law enforcement agencies in addressing such critical issues.
