Supreme Court directs Delhi, Uttar Pradesh police to investigate case of missing minor girl expeditiously

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh Police to expeditiously trace a missing minor girl who has been untraceable since July 2021 (Smt. Neelam Kanojia vs. State of Uttar Pradesh)..A three-judge bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar, Hrishikesh Roy and CT Ravikumar emphasised the importance of a speedy and serious investigations stating that, “this is a hard case that needs serious investigation.”The Court expressed its strong annoyance regarding the delay in inquiry and asked the Uttar Pradesh Police to hand over the documents of investigation to the Delhi Police within 24 hours."We also direct the Commissioner of Police, Delhi to ensure that prompt further investigation, as may be necessary, is directed in tracing out the missing girl and report compliance at the earliest," the Court said..At the same time, the Court clarified in no uncertain terms that the police officers of the State of Uttar Pradesh are not absolved from continuing with the investigation, coordinating with the Delhi Police and extending full cooperation..The Bench passed these directions while hearing a plea filed by the mother of the missing girl seeking directions from the Supreme Court to the police to perform their duty and trace her daughter at the earliest..The petitioner, a domestic worker in Delhi, claimed that her daughter was kidnapped by one Akash, the accused in the case, while they were visiting her husband’s hometown of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh..An FIR with respect to the missing girl was filed with the Gorakhpur Police (UP) and an attempt was made to file a complaint in Delhi as well. However, the petitioner claimed that no action has been taken to bring the minor girl back..The missing minor girl was last seen by her younger sister who saw her receive a video call from the accused and overheard him threatening the girl to come and reside with him in Delhi..The petitioner also claimed that Akash had been chasing, luring, and inducing the minor girl to reside with him. In fact, previously police officials had given Akash a final warning to refrain from engaging harassing the girl but despite this warning, he continued with his conduct..The petitioner apprehended and expressed fear that the accused had kidnapped her daughter in order to subject her to grievous hurt, slavery or unnatural lust..The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 3, 2021..[Read Order]