Parental pressure, exam stress, family disputes force many to leave home 

Mysuru: Mysuru City Police have registered 225 missing persons cases in the past six months, with investigations showing that many of the disappearances were linked to issues such as parental pressure, domestic disputes and online relationships. 

Police officials said that the cases involve men, women and minors leaving home for a variety of reasons. Of the 225 persons reported missing, 165 have been traced so far. 

Complaints received at Police Stations reveal a wide range of circumstances. From a daughter leaving for college and failing to return home, to a child going out to play and                                                                          not coming back. In several cases, Police found that the individuals had left home following disagreements with family members or due to personal frustrations. 

Academic pressure 

A significant number of cases involve adolescents. Parents often report that their children left for school or college but did not return. Investigations have shown that academic pressure and strict parental expectations were among the factors that prompted some minors to leave home.  

By tracking their movements and speaking to friends and acquaintances, Police have been able to trace several of them within 24 hours. 

Online factor 

Police said that online interactions have also figured in many cases. Relationships developed through social media and other digital platforms have sometimes led to misunderstandings, disputes or instances of deception, resulting in youngsters leaving home.  

Investigators use call detail records and other leads to trace such individuals, some of whom later return home voluntarily. 

Domestic disputes 

Domestic disputes continue to be another major reason behind missing persons complaints. Police said that arguments between spouses or family members occasionally result in one person leaving home without informing relatives. Investigators examine previous instances of leaving home, likely places of stay and other personal details while tracking such cases. 

In the past six months, the City Police have registered 225 missing persons cases, of which 165 have been traced, while investigations are continuing in the remaining cases. 

Cases involving minors 

Of the 46 cases involving minors, seven children have been traced and other cases remain under investigation. Among 32 adolescent girls reported missing, 20 have been found, while 12 cases are still being probed.  

Adults accounted for 179 cases including 92 women. Of the 92 women, 72 have been traced and 20 cases remain under investigation. Of the 87 men reported missing, 66 have been traced, while inquiries are continuing in 21 cases.  

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP – Law and Order) Dr. Harsha Priyamvada said that missing persons complaints are treated with priority. “We take up missing complaints immediately and have achieved a high success rate in tracing those reported missing,” she said. 

She said most of the cases stemmed from personal, family or relationship issues rather than serious criminal circumstances and stressed the need for greater awareness and communication within families to prevent such incidents.