SC guidelines on missing persons to be followed strictly in Shimla: DC

Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap on Thursday said that the Shimla district administration would strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court regarding missing persons. Under the guidelines, the police would immediately register an FIR on receiving information about a missing person. He chaired a meeting of the district-level anti-human trafficking unit held in Shimla. Special emphasis was laid on ensuring the safety and speedy recovery of missing persons, especially women and children, at the meeting.

The Deputy Commissioner said, “The Supreme Court has stated in its directives that the preliminary investigation into missing person cases should not be delayed. Every complaint should be treated with sensitivity and promptness to ensure prompt identification of the missing person and the prevention of potential human trafficking or other criminal activities.”

He said that the Supreme Court had stressed the strengthening of anti-human trafficking units, providing adequate resources and making the search operation more effective through modern technology. “These Supreme Court guidelines are considered important steps towards strengthening the safety of women and children, ensuring prompt action in missing person cases and effectively addressing serious challenges like human trafficking. Effective implementation of these guidelines will further strengthen people’s faith in law and order and the police system and significantly assist in the speedy recovery of missing persons,” he added.

Kashyap said that a special workshop would be held at the district level soon to address various issues related to child protection, involving all stakeholders. “This workshop will feature discussions on various laws, their implementation, role of institutions and NGOs and more. The workshop will be held in the next three weeks. Guidelines have been issued to the relevant departments in this regard,” he added.

He said that the main aim of the District Level Anti-Human Trafficking Unit was to ensure effective and coordinated action in cases related to human trafficking, trafficking of women and children, search for missing persons and the rescue and rehabilitation of victims.