The Gujarat Police traced 1,470 missing persons during a month-long statewide campaign called Operation Milap, reaffirming its focus on public safety and family reunification. Launched on May 7, the initiative aimed to investigate pending missing persons cases across Gujarat and strengthen citizens’ trust in policing.

According to police records, 24,767 people have been reported missing in the state since 2007. Under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Gujarat Police adopted a citizen-focused policing strategy emphasising women’s safety, child protection, action against drug networks, identification of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, and national security concerns. Operation Milap was a major part of this broader effort. Director General of Police GS Malik stated that although the special drive has formally concluded, police personnel will continue investigating missing persons cases alongside their regular duties. He stressed that locating missing women and children remains a top priority for the department.

Ajay Choudhary, Additional Director General of Police, CID Crime (Women Cell), said the operation combined technical analysis and human intelligence. Investigators reviewed old case files, monitored digital and social media records, checked transport hubs and shelter homes, and revisited complainants and witnesses to obtain new leads. The operation uncovered key trends in missing persons cases, particularly among adolescent girls, who were identified as the most vulnerable group. Police traced several long-pending cases and recovered individuals from states including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

Among the 1,470 people traced were 852 women, 342 men, 42 minor boys, and 234 minor girls. Surat City Police recorded the highest number of recoveries, successfully tracing 341 missing persons. Police analysis revealed that romantic relationships and elopement were the primary reasons behind many disappearances, especially among girls aged 14 to 17 years. Other major factors included family disputes, parental pressure, academic setbacks, and migration among labour families, which often led to interstate movement and complicated investigations.

As part of Operation Milap, authorities reopened several old cases dating back to 2007, leading to the successful tracing of individuals whose whereabouts had remained unknown for years. Officials credited the success of the initiative to extensive field investigations, intelligence gathering, mobile phone tracking, interstate coordination, and family counselling efforts. The operation also highlighted Gujarat Police’s continued commitment to responsive and people-centric policing.