A multi-agency search is currently underway for two women constables from the Border Security Force (BSF) academy in Tekanpur, Gwalior. The constables, Akanksha Nikhar and Shahana Khatoon, have been missing for over a month, prompting authorities to launch a nationwide hunt.
Disappearance and Initial Investigation
Akanksha Nikhar, hailing from Jabalpur, and Shahana Khatoon, from Murshidabad in Bengal, were both trainers at the BSF academy since 2021. They were last seen on June 6, 2024. The authorities have since uncovered suspicious activity on their phones, which has added a complexity to the case.
Tracing the Movements
Phone records indicate that Akanksha and Shahana’s devices were active in various locations, including Delhi, Howrah, and Behrampore in West Bengal, which is close to Shahana’s hometown of Murshidabad. This information has led investigators to broaden their search and analyze phone records and CCTV footage from these areas.
The last confirmed sighting of the two constables was at Beacon Hospital in Behrampore on June 7. Since then, their phones have been switched off, leaving no trace of their whereabouts.
Family Concerns and Police Actions
Akanksha’s mother, Urmila Nikhar, has voiced her concerns to the Gwalior police. She recounted a conversation with her daughter on June 5, during which Akanksha appeared hesitant. Urmila alleges that the local police failed to act promptly, even though a missing person’s report was filed at Bilua police station on June 6.
Shahana’s family in Bengal has not provided any information to Akanksha’s family, adding to the uncertainty and concern surrounding the case.
Ongoing Investigation
In response to Urmila’s complaint, the Gwalior police have formed a special investigation team. They are currently collaborating with both state and central agencies, including those in Bengal, to find the missing constables. The primary focus is to understand the reason behind their travel across different states and determine if there is any connection with Shahana’s family in West Bengal.
Alert on International Borders
By taking care of case seriousness, BSF units at the international borders have been alerted. The authorities are doing everything they can to find Akanksha and Shahana.
As the investigation continues, authorities are determined to find the missing constables and understand why they disappeared.