Is the Rajasthan Police Ready to Tackle Missing Minors?
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Synopsis
On his first day, Rajasthan's new DGP faced tough criticism in the High Court over missing minors. Judges highlighted outdated policing methods and urged for modern technology adoption. The court's concerns raise important questions about the effectiveness of current practices and the urgent need for reform in handling missing children cases.
Key Takeaways
- Modern Technology: Urgent need for police to adopt advanced tools for tracing missing minors.
- Inter-State Coordination: Immediate collaboration with local authorities is essential for effective investigations.
- Criticism of Current Practices: The court expressed dissatisfaction with police reliance on outdated methods.
- AI Utilization: Emphasizing the importance of AI in sensitive investigations.
- Accountability: DGP Rajeev Sharma is tasked with implementing necessary reforms.
Jaipur, July 4 (NationPress) On his inaugural day in office, newly appointed Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Sharma made an appearance in the Rajasthan High Court regarding a habeas corpus petition tied to the cases of missing minors that was scheduled for discussion.
The Division Bench, consisting of Justice Avneesh Jhingan and Justice Bhuvan Goyal, expressed their disappointment with the current operational methods of the police, emphasizing that they continue to depend on obsolete technology in crucial matters such as locating missing children.
The court noted that in nearly every instance, police reports indicate that the mobile phone of the missing individual is turned off, rendering them untraceable.
"Today’s youth are astute; they know precisely when to switch off their devices. Relying solely on call records and tower location is no longer sufficient," stated the Bench.
The judges underscored the necessity for the police to embrace contemporary technologies, which could greatly enhance the recovery rates of missing minors.
In response to the court’s comments, DGP Rajeev Sharma mentioned that the police are actively investigating alternative recovery strategies and will prioritize the incorporation of modern technology and digital tools in forthcoming cases.
The court summoned the DGP in light of multiple habeas corpus petitions, including one about a minor who vanished from the Ramganj police station jurisdiction on February 6.
Advocate Syed Saadat Ali, representing the family, informed the court that despite a named FIR, law enforcement has not made any headway in locating the child. The court further criticized the lack of coordination between states in such matters.
"When the whereabouts of a missing minor point to the Northeast, teams from Rajasthan police are dispatched to apprehend suspects. Instead, police should promptly collaborate with local authorities in the relevant state or district to ensure quick action. No suspect will wait for your arrival," the court remarked.
Furthermore, the Bench highlighted another critical issue: the absence of a centralized DNA database and no procedures for age progression or AI-assisted sketching of missing children.
"We are deliberating a case where a two-year-old disappeared six years ago. The police still lack any updated image or visual representation of the child," the judges observed.
They advised the department to leverage AI-based tools for such sensitive matters to improve efficiency. Concluding the session, the court stated, "You have just commenced your role, and we trust that under your guidance, the Rajasthan Police will adopt modern methodologies and effective investigative practices."
"This will ultimately diminish the number of petitions presented before us.
Additionally, the court requested a comprehensive report within ten days concerning two particular cases, one involving a youth who went missing from Khatushyamji in Sikar in May 2025.
Advocate Nagendra Sharma informed the court that the Sikar SP was present during the hearing, and the accused has consented to undergo a polygraph examination.
The court mandated that the results of the test and the overall investigation report be submitted within the specified timeframe.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the significant concerns raised by the Rajasthan High Court regarding the handling of missing minors. The judges' insistence on modernizing police technology and enhancing inter-state coordination reflects a broader need for reform in our law enforcement agencies. This matter warrants urgent attention to safeguard our children and ensure justice for families searching for their missing loved ones.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for DGP Rajeev Sharma's court appearance?
DGP Rajeev Sharma appeared in the Rajasthan High Court regarding a habeas corpus petition related to missing minors.
What concerns did the judges express regarding police methods?
The judges criticized the police for relying on outdated technology and highlighted the lack of effective methods for tracing missing individuals.
What did the court advise the police to adopt?
The court urged the police to integrate modern technologies and AI-based tools to improve the efficiency of investigations concerning missing minors.
What was the court's stance on inter-state coordination?
The court emphasized the need for immediate coordination with local officers in cases involving missing minors to ensure prompt action.
What specific cases did the court request reports on?
The court requested detailed reports on two specific cases, including one involving a youth missing from Khatushyamji in Sikar.
