top of page

By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Raj Thackeray tormented over ‘missing kids’ in state

Mumbai : Expressing grave concerns over the steep rise in cases of ‘missing children’ in the state, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray has accused the state government of treating the matter casually and failing to respond to it urgently.   In an open missive on 'X' to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray quoted data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) pointing at almost an alarming 30 pc increase in the number of children ‘missing’ in the state...

Raj Thackeray tormented over ‘missing kids’ in state

Mumbai : Expressing grave concerns over the steep rise in cases of ‘missing children’ in the state, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray has accused the state government of treating the matter casually and failing to respond to it urgently.   In an open missive on 'X' to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray quoted data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) pointing at almost an alarming 30 pc increase in the number of children ‘missing’ in the state between 2021-2024.   When asked for his reactions, Fadnavis told media-persons in Nagpur that he had not read the letter, but the issue raised is important and he would reply to it. Fadnavis stated that the NCRB has also provided the reasons why the kids go ‘missing’, how they return and the period, ranging from 3 days to 18 months.   Dwelling on the sufficiency of the NCRB figures, he contended that they reflect only complaints formally registered by the police and thousands of cases may never be reported.   On the ‘rescue, return and reunion’ of such missing children, he pointed to the sheer psychological trauma they may have suffered and sought to know how such child-lifter networks continued to thrive openly and blatantly.   The MNS chief targeted what he claimed was the “state’s lack of proactive measures to identify and dismantle child-begging rackets” as many juveniles can be seen begging at railway stations, bus stands, traffic signals, often accompanied by adults with doubtful authenticity.   “If some woman claims to be the child’s relative or guardian, should the government not order a thorough probe? Is it inappropriate to consider even a DNA test in suspicious cases,” Raj Thackeray demanded.   Slamming the government and the Opposition, he lamented how both sides failed to prioritise such urgent social issues in the legislature where discussions centre around partisan sparring.   The letter also mentions attempts by the Centre to coordinate with states on the ‘missing or trafficked children’, regretting how political upmanships and symbolic debates prevent meaningful action on the ground.   The NCRB said that Maharashtra has consistently ranked among states with the highest number of ‘missing children’, particularly in urban centres like Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.   Simultaneously, experts, child rights NGOs and activists have warned about trafficking networks that exploit poverty, migration and weak law enforcement and low convictions, despite official rescue missions or rehab efforts.   In his appeal, Raj Thackeray called upon Fadnavis to take concrete, visible measures rather than discussions and conventions. “Maharashtra expects decisive steps from you, not speeches. Jai Maharashtra,” he signed off.     In October 2023,Sharad Pawar red-flagged ‘missing girls-women’ This is the second major social cause by a political leader, two years after Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar had red-flagged nearly 20,000 ‘missing women and girls’ from the state between Jan-May 2023.   In the present instance, Raj Thackeray said that “behind the statistics lies a far more disturbing reality involving organised, inter-state gangs that kidnap children, physically abuse them and force them into begging rings”.   “Little kids are assaulted, made to beg and shifted across states. Groups of children disappear suddenly, and the government appears unable, or unwilling, to grasp the seriousness of what is happening,” said Thackeray in a strong tone.

End of an Era

Updated: Jan 2

Manmohan Singh

“Renowned economist Dr. Singh’s contributions to Bharat will always be remembered and cherished. We pray the almighty to grant 'sadgati' to the departed soul.”

Mohan Bhagwat, Chief, RSS


“His life will always serve as a lesson for the future generations on how someone can rise above deprivation and struggles to attain the heights of success. As PM, his contribution to the country's development and progress will always be remembered.”

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister


“He (Singh) knew me almost from the day I opened my eyes in this world. I had the privilege of serving as the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting in his government. A gentle soul, a great intellectual, a person with very firm convictions.”

Manish Tewari, Leader, Congress


“After he (Singh) became the Prime Minister, we shared a very close relationship. He was the one who brought me to politics along with Sonia Gandhi. It's very sad that he has left us.”

Shashi Tharoor, MP, Congress


“His contributions as the architect of India's economic reforms have left an indelible mark. RBI joins the nation in mourning this huge loss.”

Sanjay Malhotra, Governor, RBI


“Even when political opponents labelled him a ‘dummy’ or ‘shadow PM’, he remained focused on serving the country’s best interests. He neither acted against nor voiced opposition to his party’s leadership.”

T K A Nair, Former Principal Secretary to PM


“Dr. Singh was one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership, and his work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades.”

Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, US


“I always found him a delight to work with and like a benevolent father figure. He was a good friend of the Maldives.”

Mohamed Nasheed, Former President, Maldives


“A visionary economist and the architect of India's economic liberalisation, his contributions shaped a new era for India.”

Mahinda Rajapaksa, Former President, Sri Lanka


“India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. Dr. Manmohan Singh was an unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan.”

Hamid Karzai, Former President, Afghanistan


“India has lost one of its tallest leaders and finest economists. His most defining contribution - the epochal 91 reforms spurred a multi-decadal economic boom and more importantly reshaped the calculus of possibilities for India and Indians.”

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group


“Dr. Singh will always be remembered for his visionary thinking and deep insights while always being humble and upholding his personal values. His inspiring leadership earned him respect across the world.”

N. Chandrasekaran, Chief, Tata Sons


“The passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh marks the end of an era in Indian polity. A man of quiet dignity, he reshaped the nation through his visionary economic and social policies.”

Kamal Haasan, Actor-Politician


“I fondly cherish my interactions with him and the inspiration and wisdom I got from him forever. It is a tremendous loss to our country. His wisdom, integrity and contributions to the nation’s growth will always be remembered.”

Chiranjeevi, Actor


“He was a man of unparalleled humility and wisdom. His extraordinary contributions will forever be remembered.

Anil Kapoor, Actor


“Having studied him for more than a year for the movie The Accidental Prime Minister, it felt that I actually spent that much time with him. He was inherently a good man. Personally, completely honest, great economist and a very humble person. Some can say may be not an astute politician!”

Anupam Kher, Actor


“Although there were doubts about how someone who was not a seasoned politician would lead the country, Singh, during his 10 years in power, proved himself to be one of the most experienced and respected leaders the world has ever seen.”

A K Antony, Leader, Congress


“I will always remember him as the only Prime Minister who made sincere efforts to uplift India's marginalised, including minorities and backward classes.”

Asaduddin Owaisi, President, AIMIM


“Never heard an offensive, unparliamentary word from him. Manmohan Singh will be remembered as 'Adhunik nirmata sudharak' (modern reformer who built up the economy).”

Ram Nath Kovind, Former President


“I have worked with many ministers, and while many of them, including Manmohan Singh, are true gentlemen, for Singh, his gentlemanly nature was not a weakness but a remarkable strength. Singh was never one to make grand promises.”

K M Chandrasekhar, Former Union Cabinet Secretary


“He was a great human being. Great financial reformer and statesman.”

Rajinikanth, Actor


“A politician who can take a joke is truly powerful, and a politician who can make a joke about themselves is admirable, and invincible. In that respect, he stood tall above any Indian leader in my lifespan.”

Vir Das, Comedian-actor


"Dr Manmohan Singh ji's demise is a profound loss for India. His contributions to our nation shall always be remembered.”

Sachin Tendulkar, Cricket Legend


“A rare leader who spoke softly but achieved monumental strides through his actions, Dr Singh's life remains a masterclass in leadership, humility and service to the nation and will inspire generations to come.”

Gautam Adani, Chairman Adani Group


“He was against corruption and took immediate decisions concerning the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act. He always thought about the country and how best he could work for its people.”

Anna Hazare, Anti-corruption Activist


“Farewell Dr. Manmohan Singh. You loved this nation. And your service to it will long be remembered.”

Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group


“He was an erudite economist and a man of high integrity. A PM to whom we owe our economic turnaround.”

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon

Comments

bottom of page