A 14-year-old girl who was missing for over 48 hours has been rescued and reunited with her family following close coordination between Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) and the Cyberabad Police in Telangana.

Not only has BBA been instrumental in rescuing the child but also has been successful in connecting her family with government’s support scheme. Her parents were linked to Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and provided a 4-wheeler under subsidy for their daily occupation through GHMC on July 21.

The case first came to light in April this year. The girl had reportedly gone missing with a married man who happened to be a father of two children. Though the cops could trace their mobile phone location, search for the missing girl and the man drew a blank. Prompt action by senior officers at the Cyberabad Police could then locate them at another city, about four hours from Hyderabad, and rescued the girl.

Both of them were brought down to Hyderabad. Following BBA’s counselling, the girl’s family filed a police complaint. Meanwhile the family tested COVID-19 positive and the girl was sent to a child care home where her telephonic counselling continued.

Since COVID-19 cases at the home continued to rise, the child was sent back to her family after about two weeks. Authorities paid for the COVID-19 testing cost and after pressure from higher authorities, financial help was provided to the child’s family and their travel and testing expenses were reimbursed. Meanwhile, Child Welfare Committee and BBAs continued with their counseling them and follow-up.

As the child’s family made a living by sweeping streets, they were provided with food and essentials during the COVID-19 phase.

BBA continued with intensive follow-up and identified needs of the family and provided them information on various government schemes which finally led to the handing over of the vehicle through GHMC.