The Mumbai Police issued a statement on Monday after media reports stated that it had issued a high alert owing to widespread human trafficking of minor children, stating that they “categorically deny” the accusations made in such publications. Several reports of 12 small children missing in 36 hours in Mumbai went viral on social media, creating significant concern. This led the Mumbai Police to issue a clarification.
On X handle, the police gave statement, “Certain social media handles are misrepresenting data and indulging in rumour-mongering regarding cases of missing and kidnapped children. We categorically deny these claims. Action, including the registration of FIRs against those deliberately spreading false information and creating public panic, is under process.”
Several social media accounts, including those of reputable media organizations and celebrities, reported that 12 underage children, including eight girls, went missing in Mumbai in the recent 36 hours. According to reports, the children went missing over seven police station bounds, generating widespread concern. According to social media sources, the Mumbai Police has issued a high alert, suspecting suspected human trafficking, and has conducted searches at marketplaces, train and bus terminals, hospitals, and children’s homes.
Several residents began spreading the reports, urging a red warning to be issued. The comments portion of the social media posts revealed significant worry among the population, with some wondering why the media hasn’t covered this more widely. The panic forced the police department to clear the air about what was going on. The Mumbai Police Department disputed the reports, calling them “rumour mongering”.
