Delhi Police AHTU rescues two missing minor girls in separate operations
Synopsis
Delhi Police's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit resolved two separate missing minor cases in a single operation sweep — one case open since January 2026, another dating back to October 2024. The recoveries involved domestic distress, voluntary departure, and over a year of investigative persistence, spotlighting the AHTU's role beyond trafficking into broader child protection.
Key Takeaways
Delhi Police Crime Branch's AHTU rescued two missing minor girls in separate operations confirmed on 11 May 2026 .
A 16-year-old missing since 11 January 2026 (FIR No.
16/2026 , Wazirabad PS) was found staying with her maternal aunt after leaving home due to domestic distress.
A 15-year-old missing since 2 October 2024 (FIR No.
350/2024 , Budh Vihar PS) was traced near Rithala Village, Haiderpur .
The operations used technical surveillance , field intelligence, and ground-level verification.
Both girls were handed over to their respective local police stations for further legal procedures.
Delhi Police Crime Branch's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) has successfully traced and rescued two missing minor girls in separate operations, officials confirmed on Monday, 11 May 2026. The recoveries, carried out through intensive technical surveillance, field intelligence, and ground-level verification, underscore the unit's focus on protecting vulnerable children across the capital.
Key Developments
According to an official press release issued by the Crime Branch, the two girls were recovered from different locations following focused search operations. Officials described the rescues as not merely recoveries, but, in their words, "stories of resilience, compassion and reunion that restored hope to two families."
The Delhi Police stated: "These successful operations highlight the relentless dedication of the AHTU team in navigating the complex emotional and social landscapes that lead children away from safety."
First Case: 16-Year-Old Missing Since January 2026
The first operation involved a 16-year-old girl who had been missing since 11 January 2026, under FIR No. 16/2026 registered at Wazirabad Police Station under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Her disappearance had raised serious concerns given her vulnerability.
A special team led by Inspector Mukesh Kumar, along with ASI Ajay Kumar Jha and Woman Constable Deepika, operating under the supervision of ACP Suresh Kumar, launched a focused investigation. Enquiries revealed the girl had been distressed due to frequent domestic disputes linked to her father's alcohol addiction. She had reportedly left home without informing her family and was subsequently found staying with her maternal aunt. She was safely recovered and handed over to the local police station for further legal procedures.
Second Case: 15-Year-Old Missing Since October 2024
In a separate operation, the AHTU rescued a 15-year-old girl who had been missing since 2 October 2024, in a case registered at Budh Vihar Police Station under FIR No. 350/2024. During questioning, the girl stated she had voluntarily left home after coming in contact with a boy.
Acting on confidential information regarding her presence near Rithala Village in Haiderpur, the police team carried out a swift search operation and successfully traced her. She was subsequently handed over to Budh Vihar Police Station for further legal action. Notably, this case had remained open for over a year before the AHTU's intervention led to a resolution.
AHTU's Role and Broader Context
The AHTU operates as a specialised wing of the Delhi Police Crime Branch, mandated to investigate human trafficking and trace missing persons — particularly minors. Both cases highlight the unit's reliance on a combination of technical tools and human intelligence to resolve cases that often involve complex personal and social circumstances.
The Crime Branch reiterated its public commitment in a concluding message: "Delhi Police – Always Alert, Always Caring, Always There." With both girls now reunited with their families, the focus shifts to the legal proceedings and rehabilitation support that follow such recoveries.
Point of View
Another after contact with a boy — which places them in a grey zone between missing persons and child welfare cases. The AHTU's success here is notable, but it also raises a broader question: if domestic distress is a leading driver of minors going missing, are Delhi's child protection and family intervention mechanisms doing enough upstream to prevent these departures in the first place? Recovery is necessary; prevention is overdue.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Delhi Police's AHTU rescue the two missing minor girls?
The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit used technical surveillance, field intelligence, and ground-level verification to trace both girls. The 16-year-old was found at her maternal aunt's residence, while the 15-year-old was located near Rithala Village in Haiderpur based on confidential information.
Why had the 16-year-old girl gone missing?
According to police, the 16-year-old had left home without informing her family due to distress caused by frequent domestic disputes linked to her father's alcohol addiction. She was found staying with her maternal aunt and was safely recovered.
How long had the 15-year-old been missing before she was found?
The 15-year-old had been missing since 2 October 2024 — over a year before her recovery. She had reportedly left home voluntarily after coming in contact with a boy, according to her statement during questioning.
What is the AHTU and what does it do?
The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) is a specialised wing of the Delhi Police Crime Branch. It is mandated to investigate human trafficking cases and trace missing persons, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable children.
What happens to the rescued girls after recovery?
Both girls were handed over to their respective local police stations — Wazirabad and Budh Vihar — for further legal procedures. Authorities have indicated that rehabilitation and legal processes will follow the recoveries.
