Jammu and Kashmir Police Debunk Viral Rumors of Missing Children in Kathua

KATHUA, March 26, 2026 — The Jammu and Kashmir Police have officially issued a rebuttal regarding a viral social media video claiming that children have gone missing from the Hatli Morh and Govindsar areas of Kathua district.

Authorities have confirmed that the reports are entirely fake and have urged the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic within the community.

According to a spokesperson for the Kathua Police, no incidents of missing children have been reported in the jurisdiction. Investigations revealed that the rumors likely stemmed from a misunderstanding during the recent Navratri festival.

Several young girls had gone to participate in Kanya Poojan without informing their parents; however, they returned home safely shortly afterward.

Despite this harmless explanation, distorted versions of the event began circulating online, prompting the police to intervene and clarify the situation.

The Kathua Police are currently investigating the origin of the misinformation to hold those spreading false alarms accountable.

They have advised citizens to verify all sensitive news through official government channels or reputable news outlets before sharing it on social media.

By staying vigilant and prioritizing official facts over digital rumors, the community can help maintain public order and prevent the distress of local families.