Operation Anweshan: Odisha Police Brings 101 Missing Kids Home

In a major breakthrough, the Crime Against Women & Children Wing of Odisha Police, with support from the Women & Child Development Department, successfully traced and rescued 101 missing Odia children during Operation Anweshan conducted between August 28 and September 8, 2026.

Seventeen police teams were deployed across 17 states, including West Bengal, Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Tamil Nadu, to locate children reported missing from Odisha.

Among those rescued were 54 boys and 47 girls, including a three‑month‑old infant institutionalised with her minor mother. Another child had been institutionalised for over five years.

Of the total rescues, 83 children were traced from Child Care Institutions (CCIs), seven from labour sites, and 11 were linked to registered missing cases in Odisha.

West Bengal accounted for the highest number of rescues (30), followed by Karnataka (11), Jharkhand (10), and Tamil Nadu (10).

All rescued children are being repatriated to Odisha for reintegration and rehabilitation, supported by Legal‑cum‑Probation Officers.

Commissioner‑cum‑Secretary Dr Mrinalini Darswal, IAS, provided proactive leadership in ensuring the operation’s success.

Operation Anweshan underscores Odisha Police’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring their safe return home.