Amid growing concerns over the misuse of social media, a sub-inspector of the Haryana Police has been using the same platform to reunite missing children with their families.
Emotional Reunion in Ambala
On Wednesday, an emotional reunion took place for a Jharkhand-based family after they saw their 11-year-old boy, who had gone missing on June 5, in Ambala. According to the family, the boy had disappeared from Jharkhand and a missing complaint was lodged there. Despite continuous efforts, they were unable to trace him. However, upon seeing a social media post by Sub-Inspector Rajesh Kumar sharing details about the child, they learnt that he was in Ambala.
How the Boy Was Found
Rajesh Kumar, a sub-inspector posted at the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the State Crime Branch in Panchkula, said that on June 14 he received information from the superintendent of Radha Krishna Bal Ashram, Naraingarh, regarding the boy. The child had been found on a train and handed over at Ambala Cantonment Railway Station on June 12, before being shifted to the Ashram. Mentally challenged and facing language difficulties, he was unable to provide clear information.
“As I spoke to him, he could only state his own name. So I prepared a video and shared the details on social media. On June 14, I received a response from Jharkhand. A video call was arranged with the family, who recognised their child. I confirmed the case with the concerned police station and on June 17, following directions from the Child Welfare Committee, the boy was handed over to his family,” he explained.
Family's Gratitude
The SI noted that the boy was the only child of his parents, who had feared he had been kidnapped and sold. They had no idea he had reached Haryana and had lost hope of ever seeing him again. The boy’s uncle, Rajesh Kumar, said: “My nephew went missing on June 5 and a case was registered on June 10. We failed to trace him, but we saw a social media post about him and contacted SI Rajesh Kumar. We are grateful for his efforts.”
Positive Use of Social Media
SI Rajesh Kumar added: “People often use social media for memes and entertainment, ignoring posts about missing persons. Yet one share can help families find their children. Over the years, I have reunited more than 50 children through social media alone. The right use of social media can truly bring positive change in society.”
