Gandhinagar, July 31 (IANS) Gujarat Police traced and reunited 42 missing children with their families across the state between July 1 and July 28 by using CCTV analytics, cyber tools and digital surveillance technologies as part of the statewide ‘Operation Surakshit Cyber Space’, officials said on Friday.

One of the cases cited by the police involved a Class 7 student from Khambhat in Anand district who went missing while on her way to school.

The girl had left her home in Khodiyar Nagar Society to attend Khambhat Nagrik Sahakari Bank Primary School but did not reach the campus.

After her class teacher alerted her parents, they approached Khambhat City Police.

Investigators analysed footage from the Vishwas Phase-2 CCTV network along with other digital surveillance tools and traced the girl within a few hours. She was found with her bicycle and reunited with her family.

The police said the Khambhat case was among 42 incidents in which missing children were located and reunited with their families during the 28-day period through the use of cyber tools, CCTV analytics and other technological assistance.

Operation Surakshit Cyber Space was launched under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi with the stated objective of strengthening cyber security and enhancing the safety of women and children in the digital ecosystem.

According to the police, the campaign was initiated under the supervision of Director General of Police (DGP), Gyanendra Singh Malik, to improve cyber awareness, strengthen the quality of cybercrime investigations, intensify action against cyber criminals and place greater emphasis on protecting women and children in cyberspace.

Additional Director General of Police, CID Crime (Women Cell), Ajay Chaudhary said: “Under the guidance of DGP G.S. Malik, Gujarat Police launched the statewide ‘Operation Surakshit Cyber Space’ to improve cyber awareness, strengthen preventive measures, take strict action against cyber criminals, and improve the quality of cybercrime investigations with a special focus on protecting women and children in cyberspace. During this campaign, 42 missing children were successfully traced using cyber tools and various technological resources.”

Chaudhary said the campaign was implemented by CID Crime and Railways with the active participation of police stations across Gujarat under the guidance of Director General of Police, CID Crime and Railways, Dr K.L.N. Rao.

Police said the operation was conducted in four phases.

Along with tracing missing children and strengthening cyber investigations, the campaign included public awareness programmes, outreach sessions and social media campaigns aimed at educating citizens about online fraud, digital security practices, cyber hygiene and the responsible use of the internet.

“The initiative reflects the increasing use of technology by Gujarat Police in child tracing efforts and broader public safety measures across the state,” officials added.

–IANS

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