Raipur: Police teams of the Central Zone of Raipur Police Commissionerate have traced 39 out of 50 missing persons during a special search drive and reunited them with their families. Efforts are underway to locate the remaining 11 missing persons.

The operation was conducted under the direction of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Zone) Tarkeshwar Patel, while Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Vivek Shukla supervised and guided teams across various police stations.

The police clarification comes amid the circulation of misleading reports suggesting cases of mass abduction. Addressing these claims, Raipur Police Commissionerate clarified that, in accordance with Supreme Court directives, missing person complaints received after May 22, 2026, are being registered as First Information Reports (FIRs) under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Officials explained that registering an FIR in missing person cases is now a standard legal procedure and does not automatically indicate kidnapping or criminal activity.

Police Trace Missing Persons Across Police Stations

According to the police station-wise breakdown, Kotwali Police traced four out of five missing persons, Golbazar Police located three out of four, and Maudhapara Police successfully traced 11 out of 12.

Similarly, Ganj Police traced four out of seven missing persons, Civil Lines Police located six out of 10, and Telibandha Police traced seven out of eight. Meanwhile, Devendra Nagar Police successfully traced all four missing persons reported at the police station.

Family Disputes, Employment Search Behind Disappearances

During investigations and questioning, several personal and family-related reasons emerged behind the disappearances. Some individuals had left home in search of employment, while others had departed following family disputes, mental health struggles and personal relationships.

A few individuals had also travelled to Dongargarh for pilgrimage during Navratri without informing their family members, prompting their relatives to file missing person complaints.

According to police, preliminary investigations and statements recorded from the 39 traced individuals have revealed no evidence of any crime or foul play in these cases.

Police teams remain in contact with the families of the remaining 11 missing persons and are continuing efforts to trace them.

The Raipur Police Commissionerate has appealed to the public not to circulate unverified information or misleading reports on social media and urged citizens to verify facts before sharing any information.