Hyderabad: There is a growing concern across the country, which has seen an alarming 23 per cent increase in instances of missing youth compared to the previous year.
It has been equally high in the city this year. Around 96 missing complaints have been registered till Thursday, according to sources.
A majority of individuals go missing unable to handle the challenges stemming from failed love affairs and relationships, emotional struggles from wrong marriages and those with suicidal tendencies. Incidentally, most of them are hostellers.
This calls for creating awareness and counseling the vulnerable people to address the root causes as many confess to developing criminal tendencies under emotional distress.
Of the 15 missing complaints that were registered last month, seven died by suicide, said Madhuranagar inspector B. Srinivas.
A parent, whose daughter has gone missing, said, “Our hearts are heavy as we desperately search for our 22-year-old daughter who has gone missing for seven days. The police have been giving support and we hope we can find her soon.”
Most days are spent by the telephone, and family members anxiously follow up every lead, talk to every associate, in the hope that they can be reunited with their loved one.
In another incident, a 34-year-old man suffered a setback in his love life. He left home in November, and his location was traced to an isolated place. He was hesitant to return home. Eventually, authorities took him into custody and provided him with counselling to help him cope with the loss.
Many missing youth find themselves in unfortunate situations. Often families are not aware of the problems their children are facing. These vulnerable individuals find it difficult to adapt to a new city or environment. Many of them are unaware of the resources that are available to help them come out of their fears and mental state, said clinical psychologist Dr Veerender.
“We have been advocating the need for awareness campaigns and educational programmes to inform young individuals about the support systems that are available. Reaching out to such individuals before they resort to drastic steps is crucial. Community involvement, educational initiatives and accessible counselling services are needed to address the issues,” he added.
