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...

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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.

Saif stabbing latest in series of celebrity attacks

Correspondent
Jan 17
2 min read

Mumbai: The knife attack on Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra home by an intruder is the latest in a series of crimes targeting showbiz celebrities. Here are some major incidents concerning key personalities from the Hindi film industry:

Salman Khan

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's legal troubles with the infamous 1998 blackbuck poaching case, in which Saif was also involved, continue to haunt him. His security concerns escalated in 2018 when incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi openly threatened to kill him during a court appearance in Jodhpur.

Since then, Khan has faced multiple threats. In April 2023, two shooters, allegedly from the Bishnoi gang, fired gunshots outside his Bandra residence before being arrested.

Gulshan Kumar

The murder of T-Series founder Gulshan Kumar in 1997 was one of the first major incidents involving a prominent celebrity that shook the nation. Kumar, known for his devotion, visited a Shiva temple in Mumbai's Andheri suburb every morning and evening. On August 12, 1997, after praying for 15 minutes and making offerings, he was ambushed while returning to his car.

Three assailants opened fire as he was unlocking the door. He was declared brought dead at Cooper Hospital.

Police later revealed that Kumar had received threat calls on August 5 and August 9, just days before his assassination.

Rakesh Roshan

After the phenomenal success of his 2000 movie "Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai", which marked his son Hrithik Roshan's acting debut, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan survived an assassination attempt allegedly linked to the underworld. Reports suggested he had refused to pay extortion money. On January 21, 2000, two men, Sunil Vithal Gaikwad and Sachin Kamble, shot at Roshan near his Santacruz office in Mumbai. One bullet struck his left arm while another grazed his chest. Despite his injuries, Roshan managed to drive himself to the Santacruz police station before being rushed for surgery.

Shah Rukh Khan

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has had multiple encounters with the Mumbai underworld and has been vocal about resisting intimidation. In October 2023, the Maharashtra government granted him Y+ security cover due to growing threats.

During the 1990s, gangster Abu Salem reportedly targeted Khan on multiple occasions, adding to the actor's history of standing up against underworld pressure.

Preity Zinta

Actor Preity Zinta publicly spoke out about the underworld's influence in Bollywood, particularly during legal proceedings related to the 2001 film "Chori Chori Chupke Chupke". She received extortion calls demanding Rs 50 lakh, highlighting the threats actors faced for speaking against criminal elements in the industry.