Mumbai, a city known for its ceaseless hustle and bustle, faces an alarming number of disappearances each year. Between 1.5 to 2 lakh people go missing across India annually, with a large majority being children and the elderly. While some of these missing individuals are fortunate enough to reunite with their families, many are not as lucky. Those unfortunates become the victims of human trafficking, prostitusion and forced into crime world. Rajesh Pandey, a retired Mumbai Police officer, has spent over three decades helping to bring the lost back home, earning him the nickname ‘Missing Pandey.’
The Times of Mumbai spoke with Pandey to better understand the causes behind disappearances and the steps we can all take to prevent them. He stresses the importance of awareness, education, and, most importantly, immediate action.
Pandey has managed to locate and reunite over 3,000 missing individuals every year. His tireless work and personal commitment have made him a trusted figure in the city when it comes to missing person cases.
“There is a dangerous misconception that you must wait 24 hours before filing a missing person complaint with the police,” Pandey says. “This belief can cost valuable time. The sooner you report a missing person, the higher the chance of locating them. Every moment counts in these situations, especially when it comes to children or the elderly.”
Pandey’s wealth of experience in law enforcement has given him crucial insights into the reasons behind disappearances. According to him, many children run away due to family conflicts, fear of punishment, or peer pressure, while elderly individuals often go missing due to memory loss, health issues, or disorientation in the crowded streets of Mumbai.
Though technology, like Aadhaar cards and fingerprint databases, has played a significant role in finding missing people, Pandey emphasizes that human connection is just as vital. He builds a network of cooperation between the police, community members, and local organizations to help locate those who go missing. “It’s not just the police—it’s the community that plays a vital role in solving these cases,” he explains.
Pandey’s work goes beyond just locating people; it’s about understanding the emotional turmoil families endure when their loved ones disappear. “When someone goes missing, it feels like a part of you is lost forever. The emotional impact on the families is immense,” says Pandey. “That’s why I make it my personal mission to bring people back, no matter how difficult the case might be.”
Mr. Pandey was honoured at his residence police colony at Naigaon, Mumbai by his policemen neighbours and colony residents
“If someone goes missing, don’t wait. Report it to the police immediately. Early intervention can make all the difference in the world,” urges Pandey.
Key Takeaways from Missing Pandey:
- Don’t wait 24 hours—report a missing person immediately.
- Educate children and elderly individuals about safety and awareness.
- Build strong community networks to help locate missing people quickly.
- Utilize resources like Aadhaar cards, fingerprints, and community collaboration.
- Stay vigilant and aware, especially in large, crowded cities like Mumbai.
