1,172 of 1,328 people missing between January and September found in Himachal

According to an India Today report, out of a total of 1,328 people reported missing during the nine-month period from January to September this year, Himachal Pradesh Police have successfully traced 1,172 people. With this, the recovery rate of missing persons in the state has been recorded as high as 88.7 percent, while 156 people are still reported missing and efforts to trace them are underway.

According to information provided by officials to the Press Trust of India, the police registered a total of 893 missing person cases during these nine months, which involved a total of 1,328 individuals, apart from the ongoing search for 156 people. According to official figures, those who have been safely traced include 722 adults and 470 children.

The report states that about 20 percent of these traced people were found within 24 hours of the incident. In addition, 20.9 percent of the people were traced between 24 and 72 hours, while the remaining 47.9 percent were found after 72 hours.

State Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari said in a statement that following the directives issued by the Supreme Court on May 22, 2026, in the case of G. Ganesh vs State of Tamil Nadu and others, the system for registering, investigating and searching cases of missing persons in the state has been further strengthened. The court had emphasized that without insisting on any mandatory waiting period, it is imperative to register an FIR immediately upon receiving information about a missing person.

Following these guidelines, the police issued detailed instructions to all field units on June 6. These included orders for immediate registration of FIRs, prompt search campaigns, special attention to cases of missing children, and regular monitoring by senior officers.

The DGP stated that the police have focused particularly on rapid tracing, timely exchange of information, effective use of technology and mutual coordination between police stations, districts and neighboring states. He has appealed to citizens to contact the police without any delay in cases of anyone, including children, going missing. He also warned against the misconception that 24 hours must pass since a person went missing before the police can register a complaint.