Family Alleges Police Negligence in Chandigarh Missing Woman Case
In a distressing development in Chandigarh, family members of a 21-year-old woman who disappeared on February 11 this year have come forward, asserting that a skeleton discovered in the bushes of Phase 1, Industrial Area, UT, belongs to their loved one. The family, residents of Bapudham, made this claim after viewing a video of the skeleton's recovery on social media, prompting them to approach local authorities with renewed urgency.
Delayed Response and Allegations of Inaction
The family has leveled serious accusations against the police, alleging that adequate action was not taken when they initially filed a missing person complaint. According to their account, Aarti left her home on the morning of February 11, stating she would return shortly, but never did. Instead of initiating a prompt search, police personnel reportedly dismissed the matter, suggesting that as an adult, she must have left voluntarily. The family visited the Sector 26 police station on February 12, where the investigating officer allegedly asked them to wait for two to three days, resulting in the missing person report being filed only on February 17.
During this period, the family conducted their own search efforts but were unable to locate Aarti. Their frustration grew as they felt police were not prioritizing the case, with claims that officers did not check CCTV camera footage from the Transport light point, where Aarti was reportedly seen in a pick-up vehicle, nor distribute her photo to other police stations.
Identification Attempts and Ongoing Investigation
Upon seeing the social media video, the family proceeded to the Industrial Area police station, from where police escorted them to the GMSH-16 mortuary. There, they claimed to have identified personal items such as a ring and clothes found at the scene, which they believe belong to Aarti. The kin are now insisting on the filing of a murder FIR and have expressed distress that the body has not yet been handed over to them for last rites.
Police officials have responded by stating that the actual identity of the remains is contingent on the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) report, which is currently awaited. They added that an investigation is underway, including examining footage from CCTV cameras installed in surrounding areas and questioning individuals as part of the probe.
Broader Implications and Community Concern
This case has sparked concerns about police responsiveness and procedural delays in handling missing person reports in Chandigarh. The family's allegations highlight potential gaps in law enforcement protocols, raising questions about the effectiveness of initial investigations and the support provided to distressed families. As the community awaits the CFSL results, there is a growing call for transparency and accountability in the handling of such sensitive matters.
The incident underscores the emotional toll on families dealing with disappearances and the critical need for timely and thorough police action to ensure justice and closure.
