South Goa is witnessing a disturbing rise in incidents of child kidnappings in recent years, with minors in creasingly becoming tar gets for abduction. Police sources say that while ransom remains the primary motive, sev eral cases point to human trafficking, forced begging, child exploitation and, in some tragic instances, sex ual abuse. Many victims are tak en away from the law ful guardianship of their parents
The Children are sometimes lured through friendships ment-free conversations about friendships, social media and safety build resilience.” As South Goa grapples with this rising menace, the mes sage from police and child rights advocates is clear: quick investigation, community vigilance and stronger family connections are essential to ensure that every child grows up safe, supported and free from exploitation. developed online, before being drawn into exploitative sit uations. In recent months, the district has seen a string of alarm ing cases. In Curchorem, a 14-year-old girl was abducted in a case registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Goa Children’s Act. In Margao, two girls were re ported missing, including one from Ghatmorod, while in Cuncolim, a girl from Karnataka was kidnapped. In Mor mugao, a minor boy was abducted near the jetty, and in Verna, a girl from Birla-Zuarinagar went missing. One of the more shocking cases came from Sanguem, where a kid napped girl was found tied to a tree in a forest, with two suspects later arrested. According to official data, 35 cases of child kidnapping were reported in 2024 till December 18, of which 29 were detected. In 2023, all 31 cases were solved, while in 2022, 30 cases were reported and 27 detected. This year alone, till October, 21 cases have already been regis tered. Verna police inspector Anand Shirodker said two alleged kidnapping cases registered last month were both solved, highlighting the police’s prompt action in such cases. Acting Superintendent of Police, South Goa, Harishchan dra Madkaiker, said the police have adopted a proactive strategy to tackle this growing menace. “Immediate action is taken upon receiving reports, with coordination across districts and the use of technology to spread information,” he said. Alerts are circulated through social media and ma jor transport hubs to involve the public, and most cases, he noted, have been solved swiftly, with chargesheets filed in several. Another senior officer involved in multiple investiga tions said that many cases involve minors, often from migrant families, who are manipulated into exploita tive friendships or relationships. He added that all vic tims of suspected sexual assault undergo mandatory medical examinations, and most accused are arrested soon after. “A child who is abused or kidnapped should be assured of a safe environment where he or she can live in peace,” he said, urging families and schools to remain alert. Advocate Pritam Morais, former Special Public Prosecu tor for the State of Goa, cited a Supreme Court directive. “The police are required to immediately register an FIR upon receiving a complaint of a missing child. Even a 24 hour delay can be fatal. Anyone who takes or entices a child under 18 away from the lawful guardian without consent commits kidnapping, punishable with imprisonment up to seven years, and in cases involving begging, with rigorous imprisonment of not less than ten years, extending to life,” explained Morais. Advocate Vidatha Rajesh Dessai, who deals with cas es involving minors, observed that the threat does not only come from external criminals but also from within the social fabric. “Teenage children are vulnerable when family bonds weaken. Parents today are consumed by work pressures or glued to their mobile screens, leav ing adolescents craving attention and affection,” she said. Predators, she added, exploit this emotional void by offering false affection and gifts that turn into ma nipulation and, at times, trafficking or kidnapping. She stressed that prevention must begin at home: “Parents must prioritise presence over devices.
