In a concerning development that has gripped the city, Ranchi police have issued a strong advisory to all parents and guardians, urging heightened vigilance for child safety. This comes in the wake of the unresolved disappearance of two young siblings from the Dhurwa area over a week ago.
Police Launch Awareness Drive, Stress Immediate Reporting
The Ranchi police, particularly officials from the Pithoria police station, have initiated a proactive campaign to sensitize residents. Station in-charge Satish Kumar confirmed that police teams are moving across localities under their jurisdiction, using public announcement systems in market areas to broadcast essential safety measures.
"We are trying to make people aware," Kumar stated. The core message emphasizes that children should always be accompanied by an adult family member when going to school or stepping out. Parents are also advised to educate their children against accepting items like chocolates from strangers.
A senior police official made a critical appeal regarding reporting delays. He stressed that if a child is missing for more than half an hour, families must immediately inform the nearest police station instead of searching on their own. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the official pointed to the Dhurwa case, where the family searched for over six hours before contacting police.
"That was the most crucial time. Had they informed the local police station, the two children could have been traced easily," the official lamented, adding that such a delay gives potential abductors ample time to move the children far away, even to neighbouring states.
The Ongoing Search for Ansh and Anshika
The advisory stems from the distressing case of two siblings—5-year-old Ansh and his 4-year-old sister Anshika—who went missing from a slum in Dhurwa's Mausibadi area on Friday last week. Even after eight days, the duo remains untraced, despite a massive search operation.
Authorities have deployed substantial resources in the hunt, including a police team of around 70-80 personnel, forensic experts, and dog squads. The search has extended beyond Jharkhand, with police teams following leads in the neighbouring states of Bihar and West Bengal.
Key Safety Measures for Parents and Guardians
In light of the incident, Ranchi police have consolidated their advice into clear, actionable points for the public:
- Never leave children unattended, especially in public spaces like markets, residential colonies, and roadsides where risks are higher.
- Educate children on basic safety rules, including avoiding interactions with strangers and always informing elders before leaving home.
- Ensure a responsible adult accompanies children to school and on outings.
- Report any disappearance to the police immediately, without wasting precious time on independent searches.
The police hope that community cooperation and increased awareness will help prevent such traumatic incidents in the future and ensure the swift recovery of missing children.
