Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jan 29: According to the information disclosed by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), 62 children, including 33 girls have disappeared in the year 2022 in Dakshina Kannada. Police have identified 60 of them and two have still not been traced.

According to the Juvenile Justice Board and police department, there are several reasons for the children missing. Most of the cases pertaining to children below the age of 18, are of love affairs. Most of the children who are missing are in the age group of 16 to 18 years. They elope with their boy friends. In most cases, police have traced them according to Renny D’Souza, president of Child Welfare Committee.

The second important reason due to which children run from home is family feud. They are unable to bear the pressure that arises due to their differences between the parents or guardians. Third reason is education related. Children go away from home, when they are unable to cope with pressure of studies or when they are criticised for their poor academic performance.

Shaila K Karigi, Dakshina Kannada district child protection officers said, “Children go missing not only from homes but from hostels too. Most run away as they cannot cope with the hostel environment. Some are kidnapped and put into child labour, bonded labour or flesh trade. Many children are addicted to narcotics and also get pregnant due to illicit relations. There are also cases of psychological illnesses.”

Ida D’Souza, teacher of Prasanna School of Public Health and member of DK Juvenile Justice Board said, “Police should investigate all the missing cases thoroughly. Some run away from home on their own, while others are instigated.”