In a significant statewide operation, Odisha police announced on Wednesday the successful rescue of 5,451 missing individuals, including numerous women and children, during a comprehensive 10-day special drive. The initiative, conducted under the banner of Operation Anweshan-2, targeted exploitative working conditions, with many victims found laboring in brick kilns and eateries across the state.
Operation Anweshan-2: A Coordinated Effort
Director General of Police Y B Khurania emphasized that the safety of women and children remains a top priority for Odisha police. "We launched the drive under the banner of Operation Anweshan-2. The rescued women and children have been reunited with their families. Safety of women and children is a priority area for Odisha police. The drive will be intensified," stated DGP Khurania. The operation was meticulously coordinated by the Crime Against Women and Children Wing (CAWCW), ensuring a unified approach across all districts.
District-Wise Rescue Achievements
The rescue efforts yielded remarkable results in various districts, with Puri police leading the charge by rescuing 613 individuals. Following closely, Cuttack district reported 501 rescues, while other regions also demonstrated significant achievements:
- Bhadrak police rescued 429 persons
- Ganjam district accounted for 413 rescues
- Kendrapada reported 346 individuals saved
- Jajpur district rescued 271 persons
- Bargarh police accounted for 236 rescues
In urban areas, Bhubaneswar police rescued 35 individuals, while Cuttack city police successfully saved 134 persons. The rescued children, aged between 12 and 17 years, were among the most vulnerable groups identified during the operation.
Challenges and Rehabilitation Efforts
Police sources revealed that several rescued women and children had been placed in shelter homes both within Odisha and in other states. Many remained in these facilities due to inadequate efforts to facilitate their return to their families. Investigations uncovered individuals engaged in forced labor in various settings, including private houses, shops, and commercial units. Additionally, some girls were found to have left home due to personal issues and were living in undisclosed locations.
Continuation from Previous Success
This year's Operation Anweshan-2 builds upon the success of last year's Anweshan-1 drive, which according to official figures, resulted in the rescue of 1,567 children and 8,726 women. The consistent efforts highlight Odisha police's commitment to addressing the critical issue of missing persons, particularly those vulnerable to exploitation.
Expert Recommendations for Sustainable Solutions
Child rights activist Sushama Kumari stressed the importance of conducting such drives regularly and urged investigating officers to strictly adhere to Supreme Court and Odisha crime branch guidelines regarding missing children. "The rescued women and children must not be allowed to return to exploitative conditions, whether voluntarily or under coercion. They need to be counselled, rehabilitated, and provided with livelihood opportunities," she emphasized. Kumari's recommendations underscore the need for comprehensive post-rescue support systems to prevent re-victimization and ensure sustainable rehabilitation.
The successful execution of Operation Anweshan-2 demonstrates Odisha police's proactive approach in combating human trafficking and labor exploitation. With plans to intensify future drives, authorities aim to create a safer environment for women and children across the state, while addressing the root causes that lead to such vulnerable situations.
