The Allahabad High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to make all necessary efforts to trace a 42-year-old woman who has been missing for over two years despite repeated efforts by the Uttar Pradesh Police.

Justice Sandeep Jain passed the direction while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by the woman's husband seeking her production before the court.

The court noted that Sudama Devi went missing on September 8, 2024, following which a missing person report was lodged at Puranderpur Police Station in Maharajganj district on September 9, 2024.

Despite the passage of more than two years, the woman has not been traced.

During the initial hearing, the court took note of an allegation that Sudama Devi was being kept in illegal custody and directed the State to file a detailed affidavit regarding her whereabouts.

In its affidavit, the State informed the court that a dedicated police team had been constituted to trace the woman. It stated that Sudama Devi, aged 42, was of unsound mind and did not possess a mobile phone, making it difficult for the police to locate her.

On September 29, the State informed the High Court that despite its best efforts, Sudama Devi remained untraced.

Taking note of the prolonged failure of the police to locate her, the High Court directed the CBI to make all necessary efforts to trace Sudama Devi and produce her before the court on December 1, 2026.

The court further directed the State authorities and their officials to extend all necessary cooperation and assistance to the CBI in the process.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 1, 2026.