UP Police Reports 81% Success in Statewide Missing Persons Tracing Campaign
In a significant development for public safety, the Uttar Pradesh Police has achieved an impressive 81% success rate in tracing missing persons, with a particular emphasis on women and children, through a comprehensive statewide campaign. This initiative was launched under the direct supervision of Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna, aiming to address critical gaps in the system and enhance recovery efforts.
Campaign Details and Initial Findings
The special campaign, which spanned from January 1, 2024, to January 18, 2026, revealed that a total of 108,372 missing persons cases were registered across the state. However, a thorough investigation uncovered a notable discrepancy: many individuals had already returned home voluntarily, but their recovery status was not properly updated in the digital police records. This oversight led to an under-reporting of the actual recovery rate, prompting immediate action from the authorities.
Taking cognizance of this issue, DGP Rajeev Krishna ordered a statewide verification and tracing drive to rectify the records and improve accuracy. During this operation, police cases where missing individuals had returned home were systematically updated in the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) database. As of February 18, 2026, the data shows that out of the 108,372 registered missing persons, 88,022 have been successfully found, marking a substantial achievement in law enforcement efforts.
Multi-Layered Strategy for Enhanced Tracing
Following the campaign's success, Krishna outlined a robust multi-layered strategy to ensure that missing individuals, especially vulnerable groups like women and children, are located more efficiently. According to a circular issued by the DGP, police units across Uttar Pradesh are now directed to initiate immediate and time-bound investigations upon receiving any report of a missing person. This proactive approach aims to reduce response times and increase the chances of recovery.
To institutionalize these efforts, monthly special campaigns will be conducted by district-level chiefs, focusing exclusively on tracing missing persons. This regular initiative is designed to maintain momentum and prevent cases from going unresolved. In instances where organised crime or gang involvement is suspected, multiple specialised teams will be deployed simultaneously to accelerate the investigation process, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.
Leveraging Technology and Specialized Units
The circular also mandates that if evidence of human trafficking emerges during an investigation, the case will be promptly transferred to specialised Anti-Human Trafficking Cells (AHTC). This move aims to leverage expert resources and combat such serious crimes more effectively. Additionally, the Yaksh App will play a crucial role in this strategy by enabling real-time dissemination of information to beat-level police personnel. This technological tool allows for faster field-level action, improving communication and coordination among officers on the ground.
Overall, the UP Police's campaign and subsequent strategy represent a significant step forward in addressing missing persons cases, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and the use of modern technology to safeguard citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
