19-Year-Old Woman Reported Missing from Arpora Traced at Panaji Bus Stand; Police Say She Left Voluntarily

Goa Khabar: A 19-year-old woman from Nagoa, Arpora, who was reported missing after leaving home to watch Narkasur effigies during Diwali celebrations, was traced at the Panaji bus stand on Tuesday evening, Goa Police confirmed.

According to a press note issued by the North Goa District Police, Anjuna Police had registered a case under Section 138 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, following a complaint lodged by the woman’s 49-year-old father, a driver residing at Rauta Wado, Nagoa, Arpora.

The complainant informed police that his daughter had left home at around 9 pm on November 7, 2026, along with a friend to see Narkasur effigies at Saligao in Bardez. However, she did not return home, prompting the family to suspect that an unidentified person might have abducted her through force or deceit.

Based on the complaint, Anjuna Police registered Crime No. 133/2026 at 12:59 am on November 9 and initiated an investigation.

Woman Tells Police She Was Not Abducted

In a significant development, the missing woman was traced at the Panaji bus stand on the evening of November 10 and subsequently brought to Anjuna Police Station.

During questioning, she reportedly informed police that she had not been abducted by anyone and had voluntarily left with a male friend.

Police said efforts were underway to trace the male friend as part of the continuing investigation. PSI Saish Kinlekar of Anjuna Police Station is conducting further inquiries.

Police Clarify Registration of Abduction Case

The North Goa District Police also clarified why an abduction case was registered despite the woman subsequently stating that she had left voluntarily.

According to the police, the FIR was registered in compliance with directions issued by the Supreme Court in the case of G. Ganesh v. State of Tamil Nadu in May 2026.

Police stated that the directions require immediate registration of FIRs upon receiving missing-person complaints, irrespective of age or gender, by invoking relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning kidnapping, abduction or trafficking.

Following these directions, Goa Police Headquarters issued an office order implementing the procedure across the state.

The police clarified that registering missing-person complaints under the relevant kidnapping or abduction provisions has become standard practice in Goa, ensuring that investigations begin without delay.

The North Goa District Police reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of the state.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s disappearance is continuing.