HC voices concern over rise in abduction of minor girls

Observing that there has been a rise in cases of minors being abducted and going missing, particularly minor girls, the Bombay High Court recently said that the Maharashtra police seems to be “insensitive” towards this serious issue. The HC came down heavily on the Nalasopara police for miserably failing to trace a minor girl, who had gone missing in June 2012.

A division bench of Justice Satyaranjan Dharmadhikari and Justice Bharati Dangre observed that despite the HC taking cognizance of such serious issues, the police force have shown lack of sensitivity and enthusiasm. The judges were hearing a habeas corpus plea moved by Najma Sheikh, seeking directions to the police to trace out her minor girl, whom she claims to have been taken away by her neighbour or estranged husband. A series of orders have been passed in this matter which was filed June 2016. Having perused all the earlier orders, Justice Dharmadhikari said, “We get an impression that this Court is being taken for a ride.”

Earlier, another bench of the HC had summoned the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy SP) of Vasai-Virar region. Pursuant to the orders, the Dy SP appeared before the court and claimed that ‘some attempts were being made to trace the child.’

However, since then, the matter did not moved a single inch ahead, which irked the judges, who termed this as ‘unfortunate.’ Justice Dharmadhikari said, “We called for further steps to be taken into this case but it is unfortunate that despite this Court taking cognizance of such complaint and particularly the menace of minors being abducted, going missing, particularly girl child, there is lack of sensitivity throughout.”

“It is in such circumstances that not being impressed by the report, we direct that Nalasopara Police Station, should be pulled up. The Investigating Officer, the Dy SP, all have exhibited not only lack of enthusiasm but sensitivity as well,” Justice Dharmadhikari added.

Now, the judges have directed the Inspector Generalto look into this issue personally and also to initiate action against police officials.