SC to consider new steps in probing missing-child cases

Scrutinise a missing child’s computer, cell phone, email accounts and diaries after taking his or her family’s consent, and searching shopping malls, amusement parks and game parlours the child went to.

The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has suggested in the Supreme Court that these and some other measures should be adopted by investigating agencies. The standard operating procedure (SOP) in cases of missing children call for the police to scan CCTV cameras installed at the spot or the vicinity where the child was last seen, or possible routes and transit points like bus stands, railways, etc, after an FIR has been registered.

Listing scores of steps to be taken, the legal authority also asked investigating agencies to identify and keep a watch on areas missing or runaway children frequented.

“If the child is not traced within a fortnight, the case has to be treated as a serious or grave crime. All cases of missing children should be personally supervised by the superintendent of police or deputy commissioner of police, and fortnightly monitoring should be conducted.

If the child is not traced in four months, an investigation should be conducted by the Anti-Human Trafficking unit,” read the documents submitted by advocate Anita Shenoy before a bench of Justices H L Dattu and Arun Mishra.

The apex court, which was hearing a PIL filed by NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan, will now consider the suggestions the NALSA has made.