02 February,2026 07:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai Police said that the claims were false and misleading. Representational Pic/File
Mumbai Police on Monday said that certain social media handles were allegedly misrepresenting data and spreading rumours about cases of missing and kidnapped children in the city.
The police categorically denied the claims and said that such posts may create unnecessary public panic and that the officials were in process of taking action against such misleading posts.
In an official statement, Mumbai Police said that action is being taken, including the registration of FIRs, against individuals who are deliberately spreading false information on social media platforms.
According to the online claims, the social media posts have claimed that the disappearance of minor children has become a serious crisis in Mumbai.
The social media posts alleged that 12 minor children went missing within 36 hours from the jurisdictions of seven police stations, and that eight of them were girls. However the claims have been denied by Mumbai cops.
The posts further claimed that FIRs were registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on suspicion of kidnapping, based on complaints filed by parents and guardians.
"The registration of FIR against persons indulging in mischief and creating panic in society by deliberate false representation of data with respect to kidnapping of children is under process," a senior Mumbai Police official said on Monday.
The social media posts also suggested that the alleged incidents pointed to the presence of organised child trafficking networks operating in Mumbai.
However, Mumbai Police said these claims are false and misleading, and urged citizens not to believe or forward unverified information.
The police stressed that such rumours can cause fear among the public and divert resources from genuine cases.
Sources said that the officials have appealed to citizens to verify information through official sources and to avoid sharing unconfirmed posts.
In a social media post on its official X handle, Mumbai Police wrote, "Certain social media handles are misrepresenting data and indulging in rumour-mongering regarding cases of missing and kidnapped children. We categorically deny these claims. Action, including the registration of FIRs against those deliberately spreading false information and creating public panic, is under process."
