TNR News Network
Shimla: A sudden disappearance of three students from Shimla’s prestigious Bishop Cotton School (BCS) sent shockwaves through Himachal Pradesh on Saturday (August 9, 2025). But thanks to swift action, sharp coordination and the power of surveillance technology, the district police successfully traced the missing boys in under 24 hours.
Over 150 officers, under the leadership of Shimla SSP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, scanned more than 300 CCTV cameras across the city, leading them to a crucial clue: a suspicious Delhi-registered Hyundai i10 car that eventually led to the safe recovery of the students.
Routine weekly outing that turned unusual
As part of the BCS’ weekly routine, students from Class IV to XII are allowed to go out on Saturdays — junior students under a teacher’s supervision and seniors in groups. On Saturday at around 12 noon, the three boys left the campus through the Forest Gate for their group outing.
However, when all students returned by 5 pm, these three were missing. None of the other students had any information about their whereabouts, prompting the school administration to alert the police immediately.
The investigation picked up speed rapidly. Police teams reviewed over 300 CCTV feeds from areas, including the school gate, Khalini Chowk, Mall Road and key traffic points. A significant breakthrough came when a white Hyundai i10 with a Delhi number plate was spotted in footage near Khalini Chowk. The car was being driven by a man in a white shirt — and three students were seen seated inside. That moment turned the investigation in a definitive direction.
All-night search ends near Chaithla Road
Using the car’s visuals, the police expanded surveillance across Shimla and adjoining routes leading toward upper Shimla. Multiple checkpoints were established and special tracking teams were formed. The car kept evading detection — appearing at some checkpoints and vanishing before being caught. After an exhaustive overnight search, the police finally located the boys on Sunday afternoon at a house near Chaithla Road, close to Kokunala, where they were found safe. The suspect seen in the CCTV footage was also taken into custody.
Rapid response team led by senior officers
Recognising the gravity of the situation, Shimla SSP Sanjeev Gandhi immediately formed a special task force headed by Additional SP Navdeep Singh and DSP Amit Thakur. The team included seasoned investigators who had previously solved high-profile cases.
Apart from reviewing surveillance footage, they conducted combing operations in nearby forests and monitored exit routes to neighbouring states. It was a blend of sharp field work and technological support that brought the operation to a successful close.
Following the students’ recovery, the BCS administration held an emergency meeting to assess the circumstances that led to the incident. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for Monday to review and potentially revise the school’s outing and student monitoring policies.
