Maharashtra Assembly Reports Over 93,000 Missing Women, 67,000 Located in Two Years
Synopsis
In a staggering disclosure by the Maharashtra government, over 93,000 women have gone missing within just two years, with significant recovery efforts leading to the tracing of over 67,000 individuals. This alarming statistic highlights the critical issue of women's safety and the state's response through operations and initiatives.
Key Takeaways
Over 93,000 women reported missing in Maharashtra in the last two years.
67,000 women have been successfully traced.
11,313 minor girls reported missing in 2024.
Implementation of Operation Muskan to recover missing individuals.
Safety audits in schools initiated to prevent child crimes.
Mumbai, February 24 (NationPress) – The Maharashtra government revealed in the Legislative Assembly that a staggering 45,662 women were reported missing in 2024, with 30,877 of them successfully located. In 2025, the numbers rose to 48,278 women reported missing, and 36,581 have been traced thus far.
Moreover, 11,313 minor girls were reported missing in 2024 and 12,113 in 2025, of which 8,475 and 10,295, respectively, have been found.
In response to a question posed by all-party lawmakers, the state Home Department, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, presented comprehensive statistics regarding missing women and children for the years 2024 and 2025.
The data indicates that 4,989 adolescents aged between 15 and 18 went missing over the two-year period from cities such as Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Raigad, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Notably, 4,813 of them, equating to 96%, have been traced.
The government stated in its written response, “Between July 2015 and December 2024, the Maharashtra government conducted 13 Operations Muskaan, resulting in the recovery of 41,193 minors (including both girls and boys). The ongoing 14th Operation Muskaan, which commenced on February 16, has already identified 1,401 minors (454 boys and 947 girls).”
Additionally, during the period of 2024-25, a total of 4,514 minors (1,435 boys and 3,080 girls) went missing, out of which 4,455 (1,409 boys and 3,046 girls) have been successfully traced.
The Chief Minister announced that the government is executing “Operation Muskan” from January 20 to February 20, 2026, aimed at reuniting missing and affected women and children with their families.
During the years 2024 and 2025, police successfully traced 96 girls in the 15-18 age group. Furthermore, the government has initiated safety audits in schools to prevent crimes against children.
It was further disclosed that Anti-Human Trafficking Cells have been established in police divisions, excluding railway units, and awareness campaigns such as the Police Kaka and Police Didi initiatives are being implemented to combat harassment and enhance child safety.
Point of View
Including various operations, shows a commitment to addressing this crisis. However, the sheer number of missing individuals raises concerns about systemic problems that need immediate attention.
NationPress
7 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many women went missing in Maharashtra in 2024?
In 2024, a total of 45,662 women were reported missing in Maharashtra.
How many women have been traced so far?
As of now, 67,458 women have been traced from the total reported missing in 2024 and 2025.
What initiatives are being taken to locate missing minors?
The Maharashtra government is conducting 'Operation Muskan' and has established Anti-Human Trafficking Cells to enhance safety and recovery efforts.
What age group of minors is most affected?
Adolescents aged 15 to 18 years are significantly represented among the missing minors, with 4,989 reported missing over the two years.
What actions are being taken to ensure child safety in schools?
The government has initiated safety audits in schools to prevent crimes against children and improve overall safety.
