Police launch search operation for 'missing' 6-yr-old girl in Kerala's Kollam

Kerala police has launched a massive search operation for a six-year-old girl who was reported missing from near here on Thursday.

Devananda (6), also called Ponnu, is daughter of Dhanya and Preep Kumar, police said.

girl was at home with her mor on Thursday morning, y said, ding that she went missing when Dhanya went behind house for some household chores for just about five minutes.

"We have launched a massive hunt for child but have t found her yet," investigating officer told PTI.

girl was reported missing since 11 am on Thursday, he ded.

police have also used divers to look for her in a nearby river.

"Our divers have searched nearby river. dog squ has searched entire area. A sniffer dog went to a nearby area but came back," a police officer said.

district collector, along with top police officials of district, visited area and has been coordinating search operation.

"A massive hunt has been going on for child. We have alerted all police stations in state. We have circulated her photo with various haircuts among all officials," a senior police officer said.

Meanwhile, fake messs were circulated on social media, claiming that girl was found from a nearby locality.

police said those spreing such fake messs would be booked.

Meanwhile, Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken suo motu cognisance of matter.