Nagpur: In a deeply disturbing revelation, the Maharashtra Government informed the State Assembly that a staggering 1,17,369 women and minor girls were reported missing across the State during 2024 and 2025. Of these, 86,228 have been traced by police, but 31,141 remain unaccounted for, a figure that continues to raise serious concerns.
The data was shared in a written reply by Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Gold Rate
Feb 26th, 2026 - Time 11.45Hrs
As per official records, 93,940 women were reported missing during the two-year period, with police successfully tracing 67,458 of them. In the same timeframe, 23,429 minor girls were reported missing, of whom 18,770 were located and reunited with their families.
Higher recovery in urban centres
The tracing rate was notably higher in metropolitan areas. In Mumbai, police traced 4,455 out of 4,515 missing minors, reflecting a recovery rate of over 98 per cent. In Navi Mumbai, authorities located 313 boys and 627 girls who had gone missing over the past two years.
Operation Muskaan intensified
The Chief Minister also highlighted the impact of Operation Muskaan, a special statewide drive aimed at tracing missing and exploited children. Between July 2015 and December 2024, more than 41,000 children were rescued across 13 phases of the operation.
The 14th phase, launched on January 20 and continuing till February 20, 2026, has so far resulted in the rescue of 1,401 children.
Dedicated Missing Cells across State
To strengthen response mechanisms, dedicated “Missing Cells” headed by women police officers have been established in every police station across Maharashtra. Additionally, to curb human trafficking and enhance women’s safety, an IPS officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADG) has been entrusted with supervisory oversight. Reviews of pending cases are conducted every two months to ensure accountability and faster action.
The state government reiterated that tracing missing women and children remains a top priority and assured the House that search operations will continue relentlessly until every possible lead is exhausted.
