In a swift and coordinated operation, Assam Police rescued four minor girls from West Bengal's Howrah within 24 hours of their disappearance from Guwahati, bringing relief to their families and highlighting the effectiveness of inter-state police cooperation.
The four girls, all residents of the Basistha-Beharbari area in Guwahati, had left their homes on Monday morning but failed to return, triggering panic among family members. After several hours of unsuccessful attempts to contact them, their parents approached the police and filed missing-person complaints at Basistha Police Station.
Following the complaints, Assam Police launched an intensive search operation. Investigators began collecting information from family members, friends and local sources while simultaneously tracking possible travel routes. The case was treated as a priority because all four girls were minors, raising concerns about their safety and the possibility of trafficking or other criminal activity.
According to police officials, a team from Basistha Police worked closely with their counterparts in West Bengal after obtaining leads that suggested the girls had travelled outside Assam. Through coordinated efforts and rapid information-sharing between the two state police forces, the girls were traced to Howrah in West Bengal. They were successfully located and rescued on Tuesday, less than a day after they were reported missing.
Officials confirmed that all four girls were found safe. A police team from Assam has travelled to Howrah to complete the required legal procedures and facilitate their return to Guwahati. Authorities have not yet disclosed detailed information regarding how the girls reached West Bengal or whether any other individuals were involved in the incident.
The successful rescue operation has been welcomed by residents and local communities, with many praising the prompt response of the police. Family members, who had spent anxious hours searching for the children, expressed relief after being informed that the girls had been traced and were safe.
Police officials said further investigation is underway to determine the sequence of events that led to the girls leaving Guwahati and travelling to Howrah. Investigators are expected to record statements from the girls after their return to Assam and examine whether any external influence, inducement or criminal angle was involved.
The incident once again underscores the importance of rapid police action and inter-state coordination in cases involving missing children. Authorities have urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and immediately report any disappearance to law-enforcement agencies to ensure timely intervention.
