One of my clients recently had a case which I am explaining below and if you are stuck in such similar situation, here is what to do.
Note: Due to attorney-client privilege, I cannot disclose complete case details or identify the actual parties involved. However, I am sharing the essential facts and legal approach so that if you find yourself in a similar situation, you can understand the available solutions and legal remedies.
Mr.X approached me when his father Mr.Y went missing after accepting a job offer in City A. Mr.Y, an army veteran from City B, had received what appeared to be a legitimate job offer from a garment factory specifically recruiting ex-servicemen. He left for City A but failed to contact his family as promised. The family became concerned when Mr.Y didn’t respond to calls or messages for over 24 hours, which was completely out of character. Initial investigations revealed the job offer might have been fraudulent, and there were concerns about potential human trafficking or other criminal activities targeting vulnerable job seekers, particularly veterans.
Advice in Such Cases
Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation to come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.
- File missing person complaint immediately with local police
- Contact police in destination city simultaneously
- Gather all details about the job offer and company
- Inform relevant authorities about potential fraud
Applicable Sections of Law
Several provisions under BNS and BNSS apply to missing person cases involving potential fraud:
- Section 318 BNS – Cheating
- Section 370 BNS – Trafficking of persons
- Section 174 BNSS – Police investigation for missing persons
- Section 176 BNSS – Examination of witnesses and evidence collection
These sections provide comprehensive framework for investigation and prosecution of cases involving fraudulent job offers leading to missing persons.
If You Are the Complainant
- File FIR immediately in your local police station mentioning all known details
- Submit written complaint to police in destination city with complete information
- Provide all communication records, job offer documents, and contact details
- Request immediate investigation and search operations
- Follow up regularly with investigating officers for progress updates
If You Are the Victim
- Try to contact family members or friends immediately if possible
- Inform local police about your situation and seek immediate help
- Document any evidence of fraud or illegal confinement
- Avoid revealing personal information to unknown persons
- Seek assistance from local authorities or social organizations
How the Police Behave in Such Cases
Police typically treat missing person cases seriously, especially when fraud is suspected. They will register FIR, coordinate with destination city police, and initiate search operations. Investigation includes verifying job offer authenticity, tracking mobile phone locations, and checking transportation records. Police may also issue lookout notices and alert relevant departments about potential trafficking concerns.
FAQs People Normally Have
Q: How soon should I file missing person complaint?
A: Immediately, there’s no 24-hour waiting period for missing person cases.
Q: Can police investigate across states?
A: Yes, police can coordinate inter-state investigations for missing persons.
Q: What if the job offer was genuine?
A: Investigation will verify authenticity and locate the person safely.
Q: Are there special provisions for veterans?
A: Yes, authorities take crimes against veterans seriously with dedicated support systems.
What Evidence Is Required?
- Original job offer communication and documents
- Phone call records and message screenshots
- Travel tickets and accommodation booking details
- Identity documents and recent photographs
- Bank transaction records if any money was involved
- Witness statements from people who knew about the job
- Company registration details and verification documents
How Long Will the Investigation Take?
Missing person investigations typically show initial results within 24-48 hours through mobile tracking and local inquiries. Complete investigation may take 2-4 weeks depending on complexity, inter-state coordination requirements, and evidence availability. Urgent cases involving suspected trafficking receive priority treatment with faster resolution timelines.
Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India

