UP Police spl drive finds 81% in missing person list

Lucknow: The UP Police got about 81% success in tracing missing persons, particularly women and children, through a statewide special campaign launched under the direction of director general of police Rajeev Krishna.Between Jan 1, 2024, and Jan 18, 2026, a total of 1,08,372 missing persons cases were registered across the state. However, it was found that in many instances, individuals had already returned home, but their recovery status was not updated in digital police records. This discrepancy led to under-reporting of the actual recovery rate.
Taking cognisance of the issue, the DGP ordered a comprehensive statewide verification and tracing drive.During the operation, when police cases where several missing individuals had voluntarily returned home. These cases were systematically updated in the CCTNS database.As of Feb 18, 2026, total registered missing persons stands at 1,08,372, of which 88,022 have been found.Thereafter, Krishna outlined a multi-layered strategy aimed at ensuring missing individuals, particularly women and children, are found.According to the circular, police units across the state were directed to initiate immediate and time-bound investigations upon receiving any report of a missing person. To institutionalise the drive, monthly special campaigns will now be conducted by district-level chiefs, focusing exclusively on tracing missing persons.In cases where organised crime or gang involvement is suspected, multiple specialised teams will be deployed simultaneously to accelerate investigation.The circular also mandates that if evidence of human trafficking emerges during the probe, the case will be promptly transferred to specialised anti-human trafficking cells (AHTC). Additionally, the Yaksh App will enable real-time dissemination of information to beat-level police personnel, allowing faster field-level action.