Four missing Mumbra minors traced in UP within 24 hours; friend detained

Thane: Four minors, including three girls aged between 15 and 17 and a 13-year-old boy, who went missing from Mumbra after leaving home on the pretext of attending classes and a friend’s birthday celebration, were traced within 24 hours by the Mumbra police from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. Police also detained their 20-year-old friend for questioning.Police said the children left their homes on June 25, informing their families they would attend classes and celebrate a friend’s birthday before returning. However, fearing they would be scolded for staying out late, they allegedly decided not to return home. With the help of their 20-year-old friend, they travelled to Uttar Pradesh, police said.After a missing complaint was registered on June 26, the Mumbra police launched a search operation, examining CCTV footage from railway stations, including Mumbra, Thane, Kalyan, Kurla and Ghatkopar.

The breakthrough came after one of the missing children’s mobile phones was switched on, enabling investigators to trace the group to Lucknow.A police team rushed to Uttar Pradesh and rescued the four minors from the Mandi area of Lucknow. Police said another member of the group, who is a major, was traced in Kanpur. All the children have since been reunited with their families.Police said no untoward incident took place during the period they were missing and that all of them were found safe and unharmed. The role of Khan is being investigated, and he remains detained for questioning. Police are also verifying his antecedents, including an assault case reportedly registered against him in Lucknow. Further investigation is underway.