NHRC issues notices to five States over rise in missing persons cases

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday (March 13, 2026) issued notices to the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police (DGPs) of Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, expressing concern over the growing number of missing persons reported in these States.

The Commission took cognisance of media reports indicating that Bihar has recorded between 12,000 and 14,000 missing persons cases annually since 2013, a significant proportion of them involving children. Reports suggest that only around two-thirds of the missing children have been traced.

Children most affected

Referring to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the NHRC noted that the highest number of human trafficking cases has been reported in Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, and Maharashtra.

Odisha recorded the largest number of cases involving trafficking of minor boys, followed by Bihar, while Rajasthan reported most cases involving trafficking of minor girls.

According to the reports, some missing children are suspected to be forced into begging, child labour, prostitution and other unlawful activities.

Observing that the issue raises serious concerns of human rights violations, the Commission has asked the authorities in the five States to submit a detailed report within two weeks.

The NHRC also took note of concerns that the number of missing persons continues to rise despite measures taken by the States, and that only a limited number of cases are successfully traced.

The Commission has sought information on steps already taken or proposed to address the increasing number of missing persons, particularly children. It has also requested the NCRB to provide the latest statistical data on the status of missing persons in these States within the same timeframe.