Haryana: In a remarkable display of dedication and empathy, Haryana Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Rajesh Kumar has earned widespread recognition for reuniting missing children in Haryana. Over the past eight years, Kumar, who works with the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Haryana Police, has successfully brought 846 children home, touching countless lives along the way. His work has not only highlighted the emotional toll of child disappearances but also underscored the importance of systematic efforts and technology in tackling such challenges.
Kumar’s journey began in 2016 when he visited a children’s shelter home for the first time. Moved by the stories of children yearning to reuniting missing children in Haryana, Rajesh Kumar decided to make it his mission to locate and reunite missing individuals. His approach blends his investigative expertise with genuine compassion. While he uses standard law enforcement techniques, Kumar goes above and beyond to connect with families and ensure that no child is left behind.
One of the most heart-wrenching stories from his career involves Lalmani, a young woman who had been separated from her family for 16 long years. Raised in shelter homes with little hope of reuniting with her family, Lalmani had only a vague memory of her mother’s injury from a rice milling machine. Undeterred, Kumar used this small detail to trace her family to Jharkhand, where a tearful reunion took place—a testament to Kumar’s dedication and resourcefulness.
Kumar’s methods include the use of modern technology, most notably Aadhaar cards, which have proven to be a game-changer in reuniting missing children. In 2024, Aadhaar helped bring five individuals back to their families. As part of his efforts, Kumar visits shelter homes to ensure that all missing children are registered for Aadhaar, providing a reliable system of identification that has been pivotal in locating lost individuals. This technology-backed approach has made his work more efficient, reducing the time and resources required to locate missing children.
Another inspiring case occurred in January 2025, when Kumar successfully reunited Neha, a 22-year-old woman who had been separated from her family at a railway station in Maharashtra when she was just seven years old. Using video calls to confirm her identity, Kumar was able to trace Neha’s family and bring her home to Wardha, where a joyful reunion took place.
Kumar’s outstanding work has garnered recognition from Haryana’s Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur, who awarded him the ‘DGP Uttam Seva Medal’ for his exceptional service. Additional Director General of Police Mamta Singh also praised Kumar’s dedication and highlighted the importance of community involvement in preventing child disappearances.
ASI Rajesh Kumar’s work goes beyond the physical act of reunification. He educates parents and guardians on the importance of maintaining up-to-date identification documents for their children. His emphasis on vigilance and reporting missing children through helplines ensures that more children are found and returned home safely.
In conclusion, ASI Rajesh Kumar’s work in reuniting missing children in Haryana stands as a beacon of hope. His combination of professionalism, compassion, and innovative use of technology highlights the critical need for child protection in today’s society. Kumar’s efforts are not just about locating children—they represent a broader commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. His work serves as a reminder that every child deserves to be safe and accounted for, no matter the challenges in the way.
