Sat Dec 13 22:34:29 UTC 2025: Summary:
MNS Chief Raj Thackeray has voiced serious concerns over the escalating number of missing children and kidnappings in Maharashtra, accusing the state government of neglecting public safety. He claims interstate gangs are systematically targeting children, forcing them into labor and begging. Thackeray criticizes the government’s lack of a clear strategy to combat this issue and demands prioritizing discussions on child abductions in the legislative assembly. Chief Minister Fadnavis responded by citing statistics on recovered children and attributed a portion of missing person reports to children running away. He, along with MoS for Home Yogesh Kadam, maintained that the government brings back over 90% of missing children and is actively searching for the rest.
News Article:
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Chief Alarms Over Rising Child Abductions, Blasts Government Response
Mumbai, December 14, 2025 – Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray has ignited a fierce debate over the safety of children in Maharashtra, raising grave concerns about the increasing number of missing children and kidnappings. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Thackeray accused the Mahayuti-led government of prioritizing budget approvals over critical public safety issues, alleging that “interstate gangs are systematically targeting young children” across the state.
Thackeray slammed the government’s perceived inaction, questioning the absence of a “clear strategy to curb such crimes.” Citing data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), he highlighted a nearly 30% increase in child abductions between 2021 and 2024, pointing to forced labor and begging as the primary drivers. He demanded a legislative focus on child abduction and the implementation of DNA testing to identify children begging in public.
Chief Minister Fadnavis responded by referencing statistics on recovered children, attributing some missing person reports to children running away from home. “I have already given statistics and reasons for the disappearance of girls or boys. Also mentioned the numbers on children returned,” Fadnavis stated.
Minister of State (MoS) for Home, Yogesh Kadam, echoed this sentiment, asserting that over 90% of missing children are recovered. “This does not mean that we are not looking for the remaining 10% of the children,” Kadam added, stating that a special campaign is underway to find them.
Thackeray, however, remains unconvinced, questioning how child-abducting gangs are operating “so boldly and without fear.” The MNS Chief’s accusations have fueled public anxiety and intensified calls for a more robust and proactive approach to child protection in Maharashtra.
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