Anti-Human Trafficking Unit Achieves 10th Successful Child Recovery of 2026
Lucknow: Demonstrating its continued commitment to the safety and protection of women and children, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Lucknow Police Commissionerate has successfully traced and rescued a 16-year-old missing girl more than a year after her disappearance and arrested the accused involved in the case.
The recovery marks the 10th successful rescue of a missing child by the AHTU in 2026, underscoring the unit’s focused efforts in handling sensitive cases involving minors, trafficking, and vulnerable individuals.
Missing Person Case Solved Through Specialized Investigation
The case originated on April 18, 2025, when a complaint regarding the disappearance of a minor girl was registered at Madeyganj Police Station under Case No. 63/2025. Considering the seriousness of the matter and the need for a specialized investigation, the case was subsequently transferred to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit.
After taking over the investigation, the AHTU conducted a comprehensive re-examination of the case. Investigators utilized a combination of digital footprint analysis, technical evidence, human intelligence inputs, informant networks, and coordination with police units across multiple districts.
Officials said every available lead was scientifically analyzed, and sustained field operations were carried out over several months to trace the missing girl.
Minor Girl Rescued from Sitapur
The breakthrough came on June 29, 2026, when the AHTU team successfully located and rescued the minor girl from the vicinity of Sankata Devi Temple in the Mahmoodabad area of Sitapur district.
The girl was found safe and immediately taken into protective custody by police personnel.
Accused Arrested
During the investigation, police identified the accused as Salman, son of Harishan, a resident of Basantpur village under Baddoopur Police Station in Barabanki district.
Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, the accused was arrested on July 1, 2026, and subsequently produced before the court for further legal proceedings.
Victim’s Statement Reveals Disturbing Details
According to the statement recorded under the relevant provisions of criminal procedure, the minor girl alleged that the accused had lured her away by promising marriage.
She stated that after taking her from her home, the accused brought her to his village, where she was made to live with his family. During this period, she was allegedly forced to beg for money.
Police officials said that at the time of her rescue, the girl had reportedly come to the Sankata Devi Temple area for begging.
Rehabilitation and Legal Protection
Following her recovery, the girl underwent a medical examination and all mandatory legal procedures were completed. Her statement was formally recorded, and she was produced before the Child Welfare Committee.
To ensure her safety and well-being, she was subsequently accommodated in a government-run child care institution under protective supervision.
The accused has been remanded to judicial custody, while further investigation into the case remains underway.
Scientific Investigation and Inter-District Coordination Key to Success
Speaking on the operation, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Kiran Yadav, IPS said that cases referred to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit often require specialized and multidimensional investigation.
She noted that the unit routinely employs advanced investigative techniques, including technical analysis, digital tracking, human intelligence networks, and inter-district coordination to locate missing persons and bring offenders to justice.
“Our objective is not only to trace missing individuals but also to ensure their safe return and take strict legal action wherever criminal activity is involved,” she said.
AHTU’s Continued Focus on Child Protection
Police officials highlighted that the rescue reflects the effectiveness of Lucknow Police’s victim-centric approach and its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children.
With this latest operation, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit has successfully rescued and reunited 10 missing children with their families during 2026, including two recoveries made in the previous month.
Officials emphasized that every successful rescue represents a combination of professional investigation, coordinated teamwork, and public trust in law enforcement agencies.
The Lucknow Police Commissionerate reiterated that it will continue to take firm and sensitive action against crimes involving human trafficking, missing children, and offences against women and minors, while strengthening efforts to ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable sections of society.
