Rise in Missing Cases Alarms Vizianagaram, Manyam

The case of a Class 8 student going missing in Parvathipuram after being scolded for poor marks has once again highlighted the rise in missing person incidents across Vizianagaram and Manyam districts. The boy, who left home saying he was going to school but never reached, was traced near Ayodhya Maidan using CCTV footage. He was later reunited with his family, and his parents were counseled by the police.

Such incidents are becoming increasingly common. In the past seven months alone, 265 people have gone missing in Vizianagaram district and 112 in Manyam. While many have been traced, the steady increase has raised concerns among police and mental health professionals.

Official records show that women account for the highest number of missing persons, followed by men and adolescent girls. Between 2019 and July this year, 2,565 people left their homes across the two districts, with 355 still untraced. Manyam SP SV Madhav Reddy and Vizianagaram DSP Srinivasa Rao said police are working to resolve the cases promptly.

Police data from the past six years highlights multiple causes. Around 40 per cent of cases are linked to financial and mental health problems, 25 per cent to individuals feeling unvalued at home, and 35 per cent to issues such as education, love affairs, and personal attractions. Family disputes, workplace stress, and illness are also contributing factors.

Psychiatrists SV Ramana and Rashmita stressed the need for a supportive atmosphere at home. They advised avoiding unnecessary quarrels, guiding children with patience, and leaving discipline to teachers when needed. They also warned against unmonitored use of social media, noting that it has influenced some youngsters to leave home. Parents, they said, should monitor online activity and consult a doctor if unusual behavior or changes in communication are observed.