Gujarat Police trace 42 missing children using cyber tools

Gujarat Police have traced and reunited 42 missing children with their families in 28 days under 'Operation Surakshit Cyber Space', using CCTV analytics, cyber tools and digital surveillance. The operation ran from July 1 to July 28 and was conducted by CID Crime and Railways across all police stations in the state, officials said on Friday.

In one case cited by the police, a Class 7 girl from Khambhat in Anand district went missing on her way to school. Investigators analysed footage from the Vishwas Phase-2 CCTV network and other digital tools, tracing her within hours. She was found with her bicycle and handed over to her family.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi launched the operation, which was supervised by Director General of Police Gyanendra Singh Malik. The campaign also included public awareness programmes and social media outreach on online fraud and cyber hygiene. The Hans India reports that the police conducted the operation in four phases, with a focus on protecting women and children in cyberspace.