Sat Dec 27 17:21:03 UTC 2025: News Article:
Karnataka Faces Crisis: Over 1,000 Children Still Missing After Three Years
Bengaluru, December 27, 2025: A concerning trend has emerged in Karnataka, India, with a significant number of children reported missing over the past three years. According to figures revealed by Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a staggering 9,639 children went missing between 2023 and November 15, 2025, and 1,094 remain untraced.
Bengaluru city accounts for nearly a third of these cases, followed by Bengaluru Rural and Tumakuru districts. The majority of missing children are girls, with 6,894 cases reported, and 825 still unresolved.
The figures for each year are also alarming:
- 2023: 3,039 missing cases reported, 77 unresolved.
- 2024: 3,411 missing cases reported, 145 unresolved.
- 2025 (until November 15): 3,189 missing cases reported, 872 unresolved.
The Supreme Court of India has taken notice of the growing issue nationwide and has directed the Union government to provide six years of data on missing children and appoint a dedicated officer in the Union Home Ministry to coordinate efforts with states and territories.
Shashidhar S. Kosambe, Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR), has requested a detailed report from the Director-General & Inspector-General of Police (DG&IGP) to understand the reasons behind the disappearances and the details of children who have been successfully traced.
Thippeswamy K.T., Member of KSCPCR, noted that a significant number of cases involve older children, from Class 8 to II PUC. He also highlighted cases where young couples elope.
To address the crisis, each district has formed a committee headed by the Superintendent of Police to search for missing children. An Open House Programme is held every Thursday at each police station to create awareness among school and college students. Authorities hope that strengthening these mechanisms will lead to the successful return of missing children.
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