Overview
Gujarat Police traced 1,470 missing persons in one month under Operation Milap. Launched on 7 May 2026, the drive used technical intelligence and interstate coordination. It reunited families, with 852 women and 234 minor girls among those found. Surat City Police recorded the highest recoveries.
A Mission to Bring Loved Ones Home
Every year, thousands of people go missing in India. Families are left in pain and uncertainty. Police often struggle to trace them. But Gujarat Police decided to do something different. They launched Operation Milap on 7 May 2026 . The word ‘Milap’ means reunion. In just one month, the police traced 1,470 missing persons . They reunited them with their families. This was a statewide drive focused on family reunification, citizen safety, and people‑centric policing. The operation used modern technology, old case reviews, and cooperation with other states. It brought relief to hundreds of families.
What Was Operation Milap?
Operation Milap was a special initiative by the Gujarat State Police. The goal was simple: find missing persons and bring them back to their families. The police reviewed old and unresolved cases. They also investigated recent missing reports. The operation focused on protecting vulnerable groups, especially women and children. According to police records, over 24,767 people have been reported missing in Gujarat since 2007. Operation Milap tackled this huge backlog. It was a significant effort to resolve long‑pending cases.
How Did Gujarat Police Trace 1,470 Missing Persons?
The success of Operation Milap came from a mix of technology and traditional methods. Police teams did the following:
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Reviewed old case records – They went through files of missing persons, some dating back many years.
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Analysed mobile phone and digital data – Call records and social media activity helped track movements.
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Conducted field‑level verification – Officers visited last known locations and spoke to neighbours.
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Checked transport hubs and shelter homes – Railway stations, bus stands, and children’s homes were searched.
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Revisited complainants and witnesses – Families were interviewed again for fresh leads.
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Coordinated with police departments in other states – Missing persons were found in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Family counselling and intelligence gathering also played a key role. Police did not just find the missing persons; they also helped resolve the reasons behind the disappearances.
Women and Children Among the Most Vulnerable
The operation revealed important trends. Out of the 1,470 traced persons:
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852 were women
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342 were men
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234 were minor girls
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42 were minor boys
Adolescent girls aged 14 to 17 years were found to be the most vulnerable group. The main reasons for their disappearance included:
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Romantic relationships and elopement
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Family conflicts
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Educational setbacks (failing exams, pressure from parents)
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Domestic disputes
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Migration of labour families (moving to other states without informing)
These findings help the police design better prevention strategies in the future.
Surat City Police Led the Recovery Efforts
Among all police units in Gujarat, Surat City Police recorded the highest number of recoveries. They traced 341 missing persons . Other districts also contributed, but Surat stood out because of its dense population and high migration. Surat is a major industrial city. Many workers from other states live there temporarily. When a person goes missing, they often move to Surat or pass through it. The city police used their network of informants and surveillance cameras effectively.
A Human Touch: A Mother’s Tears of Joy
Behind the numbers are real people. Take the story of Rukmini, a mother from Vadodara. Her 16‑year‑old daughter had been missing for eight months. She had filed a complaint, but there was no news. Every day, she prayed. During Operation Milap, police traced her daughter to a shelter home in Rajasthan. The girl had run away because of family pressure over her poor exam results. When the police called Rukmini to inform her, she broke down in tears. “I never thought I would see her again,” she said. “Thank you, Gujarat Police.” Stories like this make Operation Milap more than just a statistic.
Interstate Coordination Was Key
Many missing persons cross state borders. Without cooperation from other state police forces, tracing them is impossible. Gujarat Police worked with police departments in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, and West Bengal . They shared photographs, descriptions, and last known locations. This teamwork helped locate persons who had moved far away from Gujarat.
What Happens After Tracing?
Once a missing person is found, the police do not simply hand them over. They first try to understand why the person left. If the reason was family conflict or mental stress, counsellors are brought in. The police also ensure that the person is not being forced to return against their will. In cases of elopement with a partner above the legal age, the police respect the person’s choice after verifying that no crime has been committed. The goal is reunion, not punishment.
Deputy Chief Minister’s Response
Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Harsh Sanghavi , praised the police for their work. He said, “Operation Milap shows that police can be friends of the people. We will continue such drives to ensure that every missing person is traced and every family is reunited.” He also announced that the lessons from this operation will be used to create a permanent missing persons tracking cell.
Conclusion
Operation Milap is a shining example of people‑centric policing. In just one month, Gujarat Police traced 1,470 missing persons and reunited them with their families. The use of technology, field work, and interstate coordination made it possible. The operation highlighted the vulnerability of adolescent girls and the need for family counselling. Surat City Police led the way with 341 recoveries. For the families who got their loved ones back, it was nothing short of a miracle. Gujarat has set a benchmark that other states can follow.
Exam-Focused Points
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Operation name: Operation Milap
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State: Gujarat
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Launch date: 7 May 2026
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Duration: One month
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Total missing persons traced: 1,470
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Women traced: 852
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Men traced: 342
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Minor girls traced: 234
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Minor boys traced: 42
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Police unit with highest recoveries: Surat City Police (341 cases)
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Missing persons reported in Gujarat since 2007: Over 24,767
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States where missing persons were traced: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, West Bengal
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Most vulnerable group: Adolescent girls (14–17 years)
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Common reasons for disappearance: Romantic relationships, family conflicts, educational setbacks, domestic disputes, labour migration
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Deputy Chief Minister & Home Minister: Harsh Sanghavi
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Operation Milap?
A: Operation Milap is a special drive by Gujarat Police to trace missing persons and reunite them with their families. It was launched on 7 May 2026.
Q2: How many missing persons were traced during Operation Milap?
A: A total of 1,470 missing persons were traced in one month.
Q3: Which police unit in Gujarat traced the highest number of missing persons?
A: Surat City Police traced 341 missing persons, the highest among all units.
Q4: What were the main reasons for women and girls going missing?
A: The main reasons included romantic relationships, family conflicts, educational setbacks, domestic disputes, and migration of labour families.
Q5: Was Operation Milap limited to Gujarat only?
A: No. Gujarat Police coordinated with police