Five minor girls who had gone missing from Saharsa district were traced and safely recovered from Lucknow by a joint team of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh police, officials said on Sunday, 1 March 2026.

The girls, aged between 13 and 16 years, were reported missing from their homes in Saharsa last week, prompting an intensive search operation by local police and coordination with child welfare teams. Family members had expressed deep concern over their disappearance, fearing they might have been trafficked or coerced into leaving the district.

Acting on specific leads, a special police team tracked the girls to a location in Lucknow, where they were found staying in rented accommodation. The girls were medically examined and provided food and psychological support. Police said preliminary inquiries suggest they may have travelled of their own accord but were persuaded by others to go to Lucknow.

The girls have been handed over to child welfare authorities, and efforts are underway to contact their families and ensure safe reunification. Meanwhile, police are investigating the circumstances surrounding their disappearance, including whether any adults had a role in influencing or aiding their travel.

Authorities urged parents to maintain open communication with children and report any unusual absences immediately to prevent such incidents.

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