In a remarkable achievement, Delhi police officers Seema Devi and Suman Hooda have reunited 104 missing children with their families over the past nine months as part of Operation Milap. Conducting extensive searches across remote areas in Haryana, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, they faced numerous challenges, including language barriers and outdated photographs. Their dedication highlights the ongoing battle against child trafficking in India, where at least 11 million children are trafficked for labour. Recent cases, including a Mumbai incident involving the sale of 14 babies, underscore the urgency of their mission.
Operation Milap: A Success Story
Head constables Seema Devi and Suman Hooda have made significant strides in addressing child trafficking in Delhi. Their efforts have led to the successful rescue of 104 missing children between March and November 2024. Despite facing obstacles such as lack of recent photographs and unfamiliar terrains, the officers persevered by collaborating with local police and using technical resources to track down missing individuals. Devi shared a notable case of a 13-year-old girl from Bawana who had gone missing but was located in Noida after her brother raised concerns about her safety. This success is particularly poignant in light of recent statistics indicating that at least 11 million children are trafficked for labour in India.
The Alarming Reality of Child Trafficking
The issue of child trafficking remains a pressing concern in India, with many children going missing due to various reasons including elopement, drug addiction, and lack of parental care. Recent reports highlight alarming cases, such as a Mumbai operation where 35 individuals were accused of selling 14 babies to childless couples for amounts ranging from ₹80,000 to ₹7 lakh. These incidents illustrate the broader scale of child trafficking and reinforce the urgency of efforts like Operation Milap. Moreover, children aged 13 to 17 are particularly vulnerable to exploitation through social media, making proactive measures essential.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This inspiring story underscores the importance of community engagement and proactive measures in the fight against child trafficking. As we celebrate the achievements of officers like Devi and Hooda, we must also reflect on the systemic challenges they face, including poor enforcement of existing laws and the need for better training among stakeholders. Additionally, partnerships with NGOs like Shakti Vahini play a crucial role in these efforts.
What steps can we take as a society to ensure that every child is safe and accounted for? We invite our readers to share their thoughts and ideas on fostering a safer environment for our youth.
