My teenage son went missing from Gwalior two days ago, what should I do under the state missing persons protocol?

Detailed Legal Analysis

If your teenage son has gone missing in Gwalior, it is important to act quickly and follow the appropriate protocols to ensure his safe return.

Here are the steps you should take under the state missing persons protocol:

• File a Missing Person Report: Immediately report your son's disappearance to the nearest police station. Under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), you can file a First Information Report (FIR) for a missing person. Provide all necessary details including:
• Full name and age of your son
• Physical description (height, weight, hair color, etc.)
• Last known whereabouts and time
• Clothing he was wearing when last seen
• Any known friends or associates
• Obtain a Copy of the FIR: Request a copy of the FIR from the police. This document will be essential for further procedures and may be necessary for other agencies.
• Engage with Local Authorities: Follow up with the police regularly regarding the investigation. You can also reach out to Child Welfare Committees or other local NGOs that specialize in missing persons cases.
• Utilize Social Media and Media Outlets: Consider leveraging social media platforms and local news outlets to spread the word about your missing son. This can help reach a larger audience and potentially gather information from the community.
• Check Hospitals and Shelters: Visit local hospitals, shelters, and rehabilitation centers to see if he has been admitted or is staying there. Inform them of the situation and provide them with your son's details.
• Contact the Missing Person's Bureau: In addition to local police, you can also contact the Central Missing Persons Bureau established under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This can aid in the nationwide search for your son.

Under Section 57 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, authorities are obligated to help locate missing children, which can be leveraged to escalate your case.

Finally, ensure that you maintain communication with the police and offer them any new information that may arise regarding your son’s whereabouts. The priority is to act swiftly and gather as much information as possible to aid in the search.