Mumbai, May 11 (IANS): In a landmark decision, all children below 14 years of age who are reported missing shall be treated as "kidnapped" and the matter investigated accordingly, Maharashtra Home Minister R.R. Patil said here Friday.
"Henceforth, any child below the age of 14 shall be directly treated as kidnapped, the case will be lodged accordingly and investigations shall be taken up with seriousness," Patil said.
The decision follows a recent Supreme Court ruling to this effect, he added.
Patil said that until now, children reported missing or untraceable were treated as routine missing persons and the investigations were taken slackly until kidnapping or other serious offence was detected.
All police stations and officials in the state are being directed to initiate necessary measures in this regard immediately.