Gujarat Police Trace 42 Missing Children In 28 Days Using CCTV, Cyber Tools

Gujarat Police traced and reunited 42 missing children with their families between July 1 and 28 using CCTV analytics, cyber tools and digital surveillance technologies under the statewide Operation Surakshit Cyber Space, officials said on Friday.

The operation involved police teams using technology and digital resources to locate missing children across the state, with one Class 7 student from Khambhat in Anand district being traced within hours of going missing.

Girl Traced Through CCTV Network

The student had left her home in Khodiyar Nagar Society to attend Khambhat Nagrik Sahakari Bank Primary School but failed to reach the campus.

After her class teacher informed her parents, the family approached Khambhat City Police. Investigators examined footage from the Vishwas Phase-2 CCTV network and used other digital surveillance tools to trace her.

The girl was located within a few hours along with her bicycle and reunited with her family, police said.

Officials said the case was among 42 instances in which missing children were traced and reunited with their families during the 28-day campaign.

Focus On Women And Child Safety

Operation Surakshit Cyber Space was launched with a focus on strengthening cyber security and improving the safety of women and children in the digital environment.

The campaign was implemented under the supervision of Director General of Police Gyanendra Singh Malik and aimed at increasing cyber awareness, improving cybercrime investigations, intensifying action against cyber criminals and strengthening preventive measures.

Additional Director General of Police, CID Crime (Women Cell), Ajay Chaudhary said the campaign placed particular emphasis on protecting women and children in cyberspace.

"During this campaign, 42 missing children were successfully traced using cyber tools and various technological resources," Chaudhary said.

Four-Phase Campaign Across Gujarat

Police said the campaign was implemented in four phases by CID Crime and Railways, with active participation from police stations across Gujarat under the guidance of Director General of Police, CID Crime and Railways, Dr K.L.N. Rao.

Besides tracing missing children and strengthening cyber investigations, the campaign included public awareness programmes, outreach sessions and social media initiatives.

These activities focused on online fraud, digital security, cyber hygiene and responsible internet use.

Officials said the operation highlighted the growing use of technology by Gujarat Police in tracing missing children and strengthening wider public safety measures.