In Himachal, 75% of abduction cases last year involved schoolgirls

Bhanu P Lohumi

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Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 1

At least 344 cases of abduction were registered in Himachal Pradesh last year. Of these, 283 cases were analysed by the authori

Elopement angle in most matters

• Of the 283 cases analysed by the authorities, 213 involved the abduction of minor girls
• It was found that most such cases were of elopement
• Government is mulling counselling for the youngsters

A perusal of the matter revealed that a majority of the cases were of elopement, but FIRs were registered for kidnapping or abduction. Also, in several cases after the girl was rescued or returned home, parents filed a complaint under social pressure.

Sharing the data with department officials, Director, Higher Education, Amarjeet Sharma, has directed them to conduct awareness campaigns to sensitise the girls and file the action taken report.

As many as 476, 454 and 344 cases of kidnapping and abduction were reported in the state in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. During this period, Shimla district reported the highest cases (252), followed by Mandi (226) and Kangra (203). Though a majority of the cases pertained to elopement as a result of love affair in which the girl willingly accompanied her partner, but cases were registered with most girls being minors, said Mohit Chawla, SP, Shimla. “We have asked the Women and Child Development Department to counsel the youngsters,” he said.