It has been 26 days since 16-year-old Nilofar Haji Sheikh went missing from her neighbourhood in Pragati Nagar, Maharashtra, and her family has now publicly accused the local police of serious negligence in handling the case.
Despite an FIR being registered soon after her disappearance on January 22, 2026, the family claims there has been no meaningful progress in tracing the teenager.
The Disappearance
According to the complaint filed by her mother, Sahin Haji Sheikh, Nilofar left home around 2:00 PM on January 22. She told her mother she was going to her uncle’s house in nearby Rehmat Nagar.
When she did not return by 7:30 PM, the family began searching for her in nearby areas, including Oswal Nagari and the homes of relatives and friends. After hours of searching and making calls, they found no trace of her.
In the FIR, the mother stated that she believes an unknown person may have lured and kidnapped her daughter.
Family Alleges Police Inaction
Nearly a month later, the family says they are still waiting for concrete answers.
“It has been 26 days, and we are still in the same place we were on day one,” a family member said. “We have not been given proper updates. We feel the police are neglecting the case.”
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The family alleges that investigators have failed to aggressively pursue leads or keep them informed about developments. They are now demanding that senior police officials step in to ensure a serious and transparent investigation.
Description of the Missing Teen
The family has appealed to the public for help in locating Nilofar.
Nilofar Haji Sheikh is 16 years and six months old. She has a fair complexion, medium build, oval face, straight nose, black eyes, and black hair. She was last seen wearing a blue burqa and speaks Hindi.
Anyone with information about her whereabouts is requested to immediately contact the nearest police station.
Rising Concern in Palghar
The case has sparked concern in Palghar district, where missing persons and kidnapping cases involving minors have been reported in recent years. Residents of Nala Sopara say such incidents have created fear among families.
The Sheikh family says they will continue to raise their voice until Nilofar is found.
“We just want our daughter back,” a relative said. “Every day without her feels like a lifetime.”
