A 12-year-old boy from the Gudamba area of Lucknow, who had been missing since August 1, 2025, was traced to Delhi and recovered by the police, according to officials on Friday. The child had left his home following a minor dispute with his sister over a television remote control.
Initial Investigation and Handover
The family immediately registered a missing person complaint with the local police. However, after the initial probe failed to yield any significant leads regarding the boy's whereabouts, the case was transferred to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Lucknow Police for further investigation.
Breakthrough in the Case
The case took a positive turn earlier this week, on June 3, when the boy contacted his father from an unknown phone number and disclosed his location in Delhi. Acting promptly on this information, the AHTU team, comprising officers Anil Kumar Kushwaha and Gulab Singh, traced the call and launched an operation that led to the child's recovery from the Chandni Chowk area within hours.
Revelations from Investigation
Police investigations revealed that the boy was neither abducted nor trafficked. He had voluntarily left home after the argument with his sister. Officers stated that although the boy wished to return home, he was afraid of being scolded by his parents, which kept him away for several months.
The police confirmed that the boy was found in good health and had not faced any exploitation during his time away. His statement has been recorded, and legal formalities are underway before he is presented before the Child Welfare Committee.
