𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

…𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒆 𝒃𝒚 33% 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 134 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒇𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 6 𝒕𝒐 13

By Lhendup Wangmo

The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) has reported a troubling increase in missing person cases in 2024 compared to the previous year. The total number of missing persons in 2024 reached 134, a significant rise from the 101 cases recorded in 2023, representing an increase of 33 cases. This sharp uptick in missing persons is coupled with a disturbing rise in related fatalities, with the number of deaths more than doubling from six in 2023 to 13 in 2024, further accentuating the gravity of the situation.

Despite the rise in cases, the RBP’s efforts to locate missing individuals have shown some positive results. In 2023, 64 out of 101 reported missing individuals were found, leaving 31 still unaccounted for. In 2024, 95 individuals were located, leaving 26 individuals still missing. While the recovery rate improved slightly in 2024, the persistent increase in cases and fatalities is a growing concern. In particular, the higher number of deaths, from six in 2023 to 13 in 2024, highlights the urgent need for more effective interventions and preventive measures.

Regionally, the data reveals alarming trends, with South Thimphu continuing to report the highest number of missing person cases in both years. The number of cases in this area rose from 24 in 2023 to 28 in 2024. Centre Thimphu also saw a notable increase, with cases rising from 13 in 2023 to 22 in 2024. Paro experienced one of the largest increases, from five cases in 2023 to 16 in 2024, marking a dramatic rise. Gelephu, which had only one case in 2023, saw an even more dramatic surge to 13 cases in 2024. These figures highlight the growing regional disparities and the pressing need for targeted efforts in these areas.

In terms of gender, the data reveals that both males and females are affected by the rising trend of missing persons. In 2023, 50 males and 51 females were reported missing. This trend continued into 2024, with 63 males and 71 females reported missing, showing a rise in cases for both genders. However, the increase in missing cases was slightly more pronounced among females, suggesting that females may be more vulnerable to disappearance or may be more likely to be reported missing.

The rise in deaths associated with missing persons is of particular concern. The number of fatalities linked to missing person cases jumped from six in 2023 to 13 in 2024, signaling a need for urgent attention to the root causes of these incidents. Possible contributing factors include mental health issues, family disputes, and migration-related pressures, though investigations are still ongoing to determine the full scope of these underlying causes. The sharp increase in both missing persons and related deaths points to the growing urgency of addressing the situation more effectively.

The RBP’s continued efforts to locate missing persons have resulted in a higher recovery rate in 2024, but the overall rise in cases and deaths emphasizes the need for enhanced preventive measures and stronger community awareness. The RBP has urged the public to stay vigilant and report any missing persons as soon as possible. Authorities are also intensifying investigations to uncover the underlying causes of the rise in missing persons, which could include a combination of mental health issues, family conflicts, and socio-economic pressures, including migration.

As the issue of missing persons continues to escalate, both the government and law enforcement agencies are strengthening collaboration with local communities and other stakeholders. The goal is to implement preventative strategies, raise awareness, and ultimately ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens. The increasing number of missing person cases and associated deaths bring attention to the need for a coordinated response to address this pressing issue.