Gujarat sees huge rise in kidnapping, 734 abducted individuals untraced: NCRB report

The latest report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has revealed alarming trends in kidnapping cases in Gujarat. Compared to men, women and minor girls are increasingly becoming the primary targets. Disturbingly, as many as 734 abducted individuals – including women and men – remain untraced as of 2023.

On an average, around 140 kidnapping cases were recorded every month in the state in 2023. Children aged between 12 and 16 years were the most vulnerable group, with 771 abductions reported in this age bracket. Among them, the proportion of girls abducted was higher than that of boys.

The report highlights that love affairs, forced marriages, and trafficking were the leading reasons behind abductions. Additionally, illegal confinement, family disputes, property conflicts, and personal enmities also played significant roles in such incidents.

Ahmedabad topped the list of districts with the highest number of kidnappings. In 2023, 296 cases were reported in the city, compared to 183 cases in 2021. Of these, 94 boys and 165 girls were abducted in a single year.

Despite police interventions, the recovery rate stood at only 70.8%. Out of 2,511 total cases in 2023, victims were rescued in 1,777 instances. However, 597 women and 137 men are still missing, raising questions about the state’s law enforcement efficiency in tackling the crisis.