Bhubaneswar, Feb 5: Odisha Police has successfully rescued 5,451 missing women and children during a special operation called ‘Operation Anweshan-II,’ which took place across the state from January 21 to 30. The operation saw participation from all district and urban police units, culminating in the safe recovery and reunion of a record number of missing individuals.
According to a statement from the police, the drive resulted in the rescue of 4,665 women, 709 girls, and 77 boys. Among the districts, Puri led the efforts with the highest number of rescues, recovering 613 missing people. Cuttack (rural) district followed closely with 501 rescues, and Bhadrak district saw 429 individuals brought back to safety.
Other districts where significant rescues took place include Ganjam (413 rescues), Kendrapara (346), Jajpur (271), Bargarh (236), Angul (210), and Dhenkanal (206), according to the police statement.
The primary aim of this initiative was to ensure the safe return of missing children and women to their families, while also providing necessary assistance and services to those rescued, a police officer involved in the operation stated.
The operation was carried out in close coordination with district police, railway police, and urban police units across the state. Odisha's Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania commended the officers and staff for their dedication and success in rescuing more than 5,400 missing individuals. He also mentioned that future campaigns of this nature will be intensified in the coming days.
‘Operation Anweshan-I,’ conducted in August 2022, had earlier led to the rescue of 2,417 missing individuals, including 2,059 women and 358 children. The ongoing efforts highlight Odisha Police's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable groups in the state.
