Gujarat Police traced and reunited 42 missing children with their families across the state between 1 July and 28 July 2025, leveraging CCTV analytics, cyber tools, and digital surveillance technologies under the statewide 'Operation Surakshit Cyber Space', officials announced on Friday, 31 July. The operation marks a significant deployment of technology-led child tracing by law enforcement in Gujarat.

How the Operation Worked

The campaign was conducted in four phases, with police stations across Gujarat participating under the coordination of CID Crime and Railways. Investigators used cyber tools, CCTV footage analysis, and other digital surveillance resources to locate children reported missing during the period.

One case highlighted by officials involved a Class 7 student from Khambhat in Anand district, who went missing while travelling to school. The girl had left her home in Khodiyar Nagar Society to attend Khambhat Nagrik Sahakari Bank Primary School but never arrived. After her class teacher alerted her parents, the family approached Khambhat City Police. Investigators analysed footage from the Vishwas Phase-2 CCTV network alongside other digital tools and located the girl within a few hours — found with her bicycle and safely reunited with her family.

What Officials Said

Additional Director General of Police, CID Crime (Women Cell), Ajay Chaudhary said: 'Under the guidance of DGP G.S. Malik, Gujarat Police launched the statewide Operation Surakshit Cyber Space to improve cyber awareness, strengthen preventive measures, take strict action against cyber criminals, and improve the quality of cybercrime investigations with a special focus on protecting women and children in cyberspace. During this campaign, 42 missing children were successfully traced using cyber tools and various technological resources.'

Chaudhary added that the campaign was implemented by CID Crime and Railways under the guidance of Director General of Police, CID Crime and Railways, Dr K.L.N. Rao.

Leadership and Mandate

Operation Surakshit Cyber Space was launched under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, with the stated objective of strengthening cyber security and enhancing the safety of women and children in the digital ecosystem. It was conducted under the supervision of Director General of Police (DGP) Gyanendra Singh Malik, with a mandate to improve cyber awareness, intensify action against cyber criminals, and elevate the quality of cybercrime investigations.

Beyond Child Tracing: Public Awareness

Alongside locating missing children, the operation incorporated public awareness programmes, outreach sessions, and social media campaigns aimed at educating citizens on online fraud, digital security practices, cyber hygiene, and responsible internet use. Officials described the initiative as reflective of Gujarat Police's increasing reliance on technology for child tracing and broader public safety measures.

What Comes Next

With the operation having demonstrated measurable results within a single month, officials are expected to assess whether the four-phase framework will be extended or institutionalised. The integration of CCTV analytics and cyber tools into routine missing-persons protocols could set a replicable model for other states grappling with child safety challenges.