In a surprising turn of events, a mother and daughter who had been missing from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, since 2020 and presumed dead, were discovered alive in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The astonishing revelation came to light after the father received an OTP (One-Time Password) related to an Aadhaar update, five years after their disappearance.
Avdesh Sharma, a resident of Sector 49, Noida, reported his wife, Manju, and daughter, Mansi, missing in July 2020. Despite initial investigations, the police were unable to locate them, and the case was eventually closed. Tragically, the family's ordeal deepened when the in-laws identified bodies of a woman and a girl found near railway tracks in Shahdara, Delhi, as Manju and Mansi. However, Avdesh refused to identify the bodies. Based on the family's identification, the police filed a final report, and the case was closed in November 2022, presuming the mother and daughter to be deceased.
Driven by the hope of finding his daughter, Avdesh persisted in his search. His unwavering efforts led him to utilize the m-Aadhaar app. His persistence paid off in April 2025 when Manju attempted to change her address on the Aadhaar card, triggering an OTP that was sent to Avdesh's mobile phone. Alerted by this unexpected activity, Avdesh promptly notified the Noida police.
The police acted swiftly, tracing the mobile number and location linked to the Aadhaar update request. Within ten days, they located Manju and Mansi in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The mother and daughter were safely recovered and presented in court. Initial investigations suggest that Manju had left her home willingly with her daughter. She allegedly connected with some boys through an application which led to her leaving her home.
The resolution of this case has prompted serious questions about the initial investigation and the procedures followed. The Police Commissioner has ordered a departmental inquiry against the then-station in-charge, the investigating officer (IO), and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for negligence during the investigation.
Avdesh Sharma expressed his gratitude to the Noida police and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging that the m-Aadhaar app was instrumental in reuniting him with his daughter. This case highlights the importance of technology in solving complex cases and the dedication of law enforcement in bringing closure to families. It also raises concerns about police investigation protocols and the need for thoroughness in missing persons cases, especially those involving vulnerable individuals.
