Thane: The Crime Branch’s Child Protection Unit (CPU) has successfully reunited a 17-year-old specially abled boy with his family under Operation Muskan, bringing relief to parents who had been desperately searching for their son.The teenager was found wandering alone on railway platform No. 1 on Dec 19, 2025. Unable to communicate properly or identify himself, he was admitted to a children’s home for safety while authorities began the painstaking task of tracing his family.During a routine visit to the shelter on Jan 9, a police constable gathered fragmentary clues from the boy — his father’s name, familiarity with namaz (Islamic prayer), and a vague connection to Mumbra area. But checks at Mumbra and Shil-Daighar police stations drew a blank as no missing complaint had been filed.The CPU then launched an innovative search campaign, circulating the boy’s photograph through local mosques, religious leaders, social workers, school WhatsApp groups and social media platforms. “We cast a wide net across the community,” said a police official.The efforts paid off when the boy’s mother, Mohibonisa, contacted the CPU on Jan 23 after seeing his picture online. She established his identity through documents, and the emotional reunion was confirmed when the child recognised her during a video call.After completing legal formalities and producing the boy before the Child Welfare Committee, he was handed over to his parents following the committee’s directions.Police have appealed to citizens to immediately inform the nearest police station or call the child helpline 1098 if they spot any missing or abandoned child.
