Protest Erupts Over Missing Girl in Abohar
Activists from several non-governmental organizations staged a protest march in Abohar, Punjab, on Monday, accusing the local police of failing to locate a minor girl who has been missing from her home for 45 days. The demonstrators later gathered outside Police Station City-1, demanding immediate action to find the girl and strict punishment for the accused, identified as Omkar.
The protest included prominent local figures such as Beopar Mandal president Suresh Satija, farmer leader Sukhjinder Singh Rajan, Gurmeet Prajapati, BJP leaders Dhanpat Siag and Raju Charaya, Municipal Councilor Vijay Chhabra, former Municipal Corporation mayor Vimal Thatai, Deepak Chhapola, Puneet Arora, as well as the girl's family members, relatives, and residents of the area.
Family and Community Demand Answers
The protesters expressed frustration that the police have made little progress even after 45 days since the girl's disappearance. They warned that if the girl is not recovered and the accused is not arrested soon, they would escalate their agitation. The missing girl is a meritorious Class 12 student who scored 94 percent marks. She allegedly disappeared after being lured by Omkar, a resident of the Seed Farm locality.
According to the police, a case was registered on May 23 under Sections 137(2) (kidnapping) and 96 (procuration of a minor child) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Omkar, his mother Krishna Rani, his brother Guru, and Nand Singh. While Krishna Rani and some other accused have been arrested, Omkar remains at large.
Police Seek One Week to Resolve Case
Maninder Singh, Station House Officer of Police Station City-1, stated that the case is being investigated on priority. He said that 11 persons, including one from Rajasthan, have been arrested in connection with the case. The police also claimed that they have been regularly sharing all relevant information with the girl's family.
During the protest, the police requested one week from the family and protesters to trace the girl. Following this appeal, the demonstrators dispersed peacefully. However, some family members continued their sit-in outside the police station.
