Bhubaneswar, August 2: The Odisha Police has rescued 17,590 missing women and children between January and June 2026 under ‘Operation Anweshan’.

Between January and June 2026, police traced 5,413 children and 12,177 women, exceeding the number reported missing during the period. Puri emerged as the top-performing district in recoveries.

According to an official release, a total of 4,873 children, including 538 boys, 4,334 girls and one transgender child, were reported missing across Odisha. During the special drive, police rescued 5,413 children, including many who had been reported missing before January.

The operation was carried out under the direct supervision of Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania, with the Crime Against Women and Children Wing (CAW & CW) leading the efforts in coordination with district police units and counterparts in other States.

Puri district recorded the highest number of child rescues with 1,161, followed by Bhubaneswar Urban Police District (UPD) with 399 and Mayurbhanj with 278.

During the same period, 10,605 women were reported missing in the State, while police managed to trace and rescue 12,177 women, surpassing the number of fresh missing cases by recovering women reported missing in earlier months as well.

Among the districts, Puri topped the list with 3,713 women rescued, followed by Jajpur (820) and Ganjam (580. With a combined rescue of 4,874 missing persons, including 1,161 children and 3,713 women, Puri emerged as the best-performing district.

Notably, during the special drive carried between July 18–22, police had rescued 321 children 321 children, including 35 boys and 286 girls, and 2,434 women, with authorities pledging to intensify future operations