Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 31: Of the 256 children reported missing over the past three years in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, 18 children are yet to be traced, raising concerns among authorities and child welfare agencies.

According to official data, 10 missing children fall under the Mangaluru Police Commissionerate limits, two under the Dakshina Kannada district police jurisdiction, and six in Udupi district.

Police officials said the cases include instances where mothers have gone missing with their children following domestic disputes, children leaving home on their own, and children escaping from child care and protection centres and remaining untraced thereafter.

Compared to other districts, the number of children leaving home due to fear of examinations, low marks, or poor academic performance is said to be relatively low in this region.

Efforts to trace the missing children involve multiple government departments, with assistance from non-governmental organisations. Authorities are also probing the possibility of child trafficking in certain cases. Police noted that tracing children becomes particularly challenging when they do not possess mobile phones, making digital tracking difficult.

In cases where children have gone missing along with their mothers, police said they keep a close watch on possible begging-related activities and other forms of exploitation.

Departmental statistics show that from 2023 to November 15, 2025, a total of 256 children were reported missing in the undivided district, of whom 238 have been successfully traced.

In 2023, one boy each remains untraced in the Mangaluru Commissionerate limits and Udupi district. In 2024, all 101 missing children were traced. In 2025, between January and November 15, 75 children were reported missing, of whom 16 are yet to be traced, officials said.