Changemakers in Action: Delhi’s Brave Women Officers Rescue 104 Missing Children in 9 Months

11 DEC 2024

Two Delhi Police officers, Seema Devi and Suman Hooda, have reunited 104 missing children with their families within just nine months.

Delhi Police women contables Seema (L) and Suman (R) (Picture credit: ANI)

In a landmark achievement, two courageous Delhi Police officers, Seema Devi and Suman Hooda, have reunited 104 missing children with their families within just nine months. This extraordinary feat, accomplished under the ambit of Operation Milap, sheds light on the pressing issue of child trafficking in India and underscores the relentless commitment required to combat it. Head constables Seema Devi and Suman Hooda are posted with the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in Delhi’s Outer North District. Their mission, carried out between March and November 2024, involved arduous searches across the states of Haryana, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. Despite the lack of recent photographs, language barriers, and the challenging terrains of remote areas, the officers pressed on with unwavering determination.

The duo often relied on local police for support and leveraged technical resources such as cyber tools to trace missing children. In one notable case, a 13-year-old girl from Bawana, Delhi, was reported missing. Her youngest brother provided the officers with crucial information about sporadic calls from the girl using different phone numbers. Sensing foul play, Seema and her team tracked her to Jarcha in Noida, where she was found performing household chores. She was promptly rescued and reunited with her family. The officers’ journey was fraught with obstacles. Suman Hooda recounted instances of walking for miles due to lack of transportation in remote areas. They frequently approached railway station beggars, hawkers, and locals for information, often encountering hesitation from those wary of legal complications. Despite these challenges, their determination to locate missing children never wavered.

“We don’t have fixed duty hours. Whenever we receive information about a missing child, we leave our homes immediately,” Suman explained, acknowledging the personal sacrifices involved in their work.

Vineet Jain, Times Group Managing Director and Bennett University Chancellor, along with Seema Devi (L) and Suman Hooda (R) at the Times Now Heroes award ceremony on November 24. (Picture credit : Times Now)

Seema Devi, a mother herself, drew on her parental instincts to fuel her dedication. “As a parent, I know the anxiety of not knowing where your child is, even for an hour. This drives me to keep searching,” she shared.

The officers’ work sheds light on the alarming scale of child trafficking in India. According to recent statistics, over 11 million children are trafficked for labor, domestic servitude, or worse. Vulnerable children aged 13 to 17 are increasingly exploited via social media, underscoring the need for stricter regulations and public awareness.

A recent case in Mumbai revealed a network of traffickers selling 14 babies to childless couples for amounts ranging from ₹80,000 to ₹7 lakh, highlighting the grim reality of the trafficking ecosystem.

The success of Operation Milap highlights the effectiveness of community involvement and coordination between various agencies. Partnerships with NGOs like Shakti Vahini played a crucial role in facilitating rescues and providing post-reunion support for children and families. However, systemic challenges persist. Poor enforcement of existing laws, lack of updated resources, and insufficient training for law enforcement are significant hurdles in combating child trafficking.

DCP (Outer North) Nidhin Valsan praised the officers’ efforts, stating, “We are extremely proud of the exceptional work done by Seema and Suman. Their achievement reinforces our resolve to combat child trafficking and protect our community.”

Both officers emphasize the importance of parental vigilance and societal awareness in preventing child disappearances. “Children below the age of 10 are especially vulnerable. Parents need to know what their children are doing and who they are interacting with,” Suman advised. The emotional rewards of their work fuel their resolve. “There’s a big difference between feeling good and feeling satisfied. This work gives me satisfaction,” Seema reflected.