Missing Manipur girl allegedly held captive rescued from Karnataka

The Social Welfare Department, Government of Manipur, on Saturday rescued a girl who had reportedly lost contact with her family, amid allegations that she was held captive in Karnataka.

The rescue mission spanned over multiple states, including Hyderabad, Kerala and Karnataka and culminated in the safe return of the girl to her parents.

The girl's ordeal began when the Social Welfare Department received a distress call from the Manipur Student Association Delhi (MSAD), reporting the alleged captivity and harassment of a minor girl in Hyderabad. The girl hails from Thoubal district in Manipur.

Acting upon the alert, a team led by K Saroja Devi, Deputy Director of the department, initiated an investigation and successfully located the girl in Karnataka's Belgaum with the assistance of state police and other local authorities.

According to NG Uttam, Director of Social Welfare Department, victim Daisy (name changed) and the alleged perpetrator had moved to Belgaum in Karnataka contrary to initial reports.

However, the joint efforts of the department officers and assistance from local authorities in Belgaum resulted in the rescue of the girl.

A Zero FIR has been filed against the accused, accusing her of various offences, including enticing and detaining Daisy with criminal intent, though further inquiry uncovered a complex situation involving mutual consent and the absence of forceful detention.

In light of the incident, director of social welfare Ng Uttam urged the public to exercise caution when sending children outside the state and emphasised the importance of combating human trafficking through coordinated efforts among various stakeholders.

Further, he appealed the common citizens to obtain prior approval from the concerned Child Welfare Committee before sending children, who are in need and care and protection to some other states.