Maharashtra Govt Forms Special Cell To Trace Missing Women; 10% Rise In Recovery Rate, Says CM Fadnavis
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Mumbai | March 4, 2026
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Legislative Council that the Maharashtra government has established a Special Cell to trace missing women across the state, leading to a 10 per cent increase in recovery cases over the past year.
Responding to a question raised by MLC Niranjan Davkhare and a supplementary query by Bhai Jagtap, the Chief Minister said the Special Cell is headed by a woman officer of Additional Director General (ADG) rank. The cell conducts regular review meetings and coordinates statewide search operations under the leadership of senior women officers.
Fadnavis stated that within the first year, around 55 to 60 per cent of missing women are traced, while the recovery rate rises to nearly 90 per cent within two-and-a-half to three years. The government aims to increase this figure to 95–96 per cent and will continue sustained efforts until that target is achieved.
Minister of State Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar provided additional details, noting that between July 2015 and December 2024, 13 phases of ‘Operation Muskaan’ were conducted, resulting in the rescue of 41,193 missing children. Under ‘Operation Muskaan 14’, carried out from January 20 to February 20, 2026, a total of 1,401 children — 454 boys and 947 girls — were traced as of February 16.
He added that ‘Operation Shodh’ has been launched specifically to trace missing women and children. The state has also set up ‘Nirbhaya’ squads for women’s safety, increased police patrolling, and introduced initiatives such as ‘Police Kaka’ and ‘Police Didi’. Women Help Desks have been established at all police stations across Maharashtra to assist victims and families.
The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening mechanisms to ensure the safety and timely recovery of missing women and children across the state.
