In a remarkable display of coordinated effort and dedication, the Odisha Police has successfully rescued 5,451 missing persons during the statewide ‘Operation Anveshan-2’, conducted from January 21 to 30, 2026.
Under the directives of Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, this intensive drive focused on locating and safely reuniting separated children and women with their families, highlighting the force’s proactive role in addressing human trafficking, abductions, and other vulnerabilities.
The operation involved active participation from police units across all districts and urban areas in Odisha. Among the rescued individuals were 77 minor boys, 709 minor girls, and 4,665 women. This record-breaking achievement not only brings relief to countless families but also sets a benchmark for similar initiatives nationwide.
District-wise, Puri led the efforts with 613 rescues, followed closely by Cuttack with 501 and Bhadrak with 429. Other notable contributions came from Ganjam (413), Kendrapara (346), Jajpur (271), Bargarh (236), Angul (210), Dhenkanal (206), Jagatsinghpur (177), Nuapada (173), Berhampur (170), Keonjhar (161), Sundargarh (135), Cuttack Urban (134), Kalahandi (133), Nayagarh (127), Balasore (125), and Mayurbhanj (119). The collaborative work between district police, railway police, and urban police forces was instrumental in achieving these results.
The primary objective of Operation Anveshan-2 was to ensure the safe recovery of missing children and women, facilitate their reunion with families, and provide necessary support services.
DGP Khurania commended the involved officers and personnel for their tireless work and announced that such operations would be intensified in the future to further enhance the safety and rescue mechanisms for vulnerable populations.
This success story reflects Odisha Police’s commitment to community welfare and public safety, potentially inspiring other states to adopt similar strategies in combating missing persons cases.
