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Missing Person Complaint

A family member, child, or known person has gone missing and you need to file a complaint and initiate a search. Time is critical — the first 24 hours are the most important.

Do this now
  1. 01Go to the nearest police station and file a missing person complaint immediately
  2. 02Call 112 — Police Emergency helpline
  3. 03Contact CHILDLINE 1098 if the missing person is a child
  4. 04Search nearby hospitals, railway stations, bus stands, and shelters
  5. 05Post recent photographs on social media with contact details
  6. 06Inform relatives and friends in other cities to keep watch
  7. 07Check CCTV footage from the last known location
  8. 08Register on Track Missing Child portal (khoyapaya.gov.in)
Evidence to collect
  1. Recent photographs of the missing person
  2. Details of last known location, time, and clothing
  3. Mobile phone number and last call records
  4. CCTV footage from nearby areas
  5. Details of friends, acquaintances, or recent contacts
  6. Medical history (if any health condition)
  7. Aadhaar number and other ID details
Documents you need
  1. Missing person complaint (written at police station)
  2. Recent photographs (3-4 copies)
  3. Aadhaar / ID proof of missing person
  4. ID proof of complainant
  5. Mobile phone records (if available)
  6. Medical records (if person has health condition)
Where to complain
  1. Nearest Police Station — Missing person complaint (Zero FIR accepted)
  2. Police Control Room — 112
  3. CHILDLINE — 1098 (if child is missing)
  4. Missing Person Bureau — State-level bureau
  5. Track Missing Child Portal — khoyapaya.gov.in
  6. National Commission for Women — 7827-170-170 (if woman missing)
Laws that apply
  1. BNSS Section 173 — Information to police (FIR)
  2. BNS Section 137 — Kidnapping from lawful guardianship
  3. BNS Section 87 — Kidnapping or abducting a woman to compel marriage
  4. Juvenile Justice Act — Section 2(14) (Child in need of care and protection)
  5. Supreme Court Guidelines — Mandatory registration of missing complaints
Understanding the issue

In India, there is no mandatory waiting period to report a missing person. Police are legally required to register a complaint immediately. If a child under 18 is missing, the case must be treated as a kidnapping under BNS Section 137 until proven otherwise. The Missing Persons Bureau, CHILDLINE (for children), and state-level helplines assist in tracing missing persons. Courts have held that police cannot refuse to register a missing complaint.

When to see a lawyer

Consult a lawyer if police refuse to register the complaint, if you suspect kidnapping or foul play, or if you need to file a habeas corpus petition in the High Court.