NHRC Demands Reports on Missing Persons from Key States
Synopsis
The NHRC has taken significant action regarding the growing issue of missing persons by demanding detailed reports from several states, highlighting a serious concern for human rights violations. This initiative aims to address the alarming statistics of missing children and the risks of human trafficking involved.
Key Takeaways
NHRC actively addressing missing persons crisis.
Reports from Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan requested.
High incidence of human trafficking reported in these states.
Concern over the rising number of untraced missing children.
Healthcare deficiencies leading to tragic outcomes highlighted.
New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) In response to alarming reports regarding missing individuals, the NHRC has reached out to the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police from Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. They have been requested to submit a comprehensive report on this pressing issue within a two-week timeframe, as confirmed by an official on Friday.
The anticipated report will outline the measures undertaken or planned to address the rising concerns surrounding missing persons, particularly minors, according to the official's statement.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is also demanding the latest statistical insights from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) concerning the missing persons situation in these states, to be provided within two weeks.
This action follows media revelations indicating that from 12,000 to 14,000 missing person reports have been documented annually in Bihar since 2013, with a significant percentage involving children. Alarmingly, only about two-thirds of the missing children have been found.
Reports indicate that Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, and Maharashtra are the states with the highest incidence of human trafficking.
Odisha leads the statistics for the trafficking of young boys, with Bihar following closely. Conversely, Rajasthan has the highest reports of trafficking involving minor girls. A media report from March 9, 2026, suggests that many of these children are coerced into begging, child labor, prostitution, and other illicit activities.
The NHRC has expressed that the “details of the news report, if accurate, present a grave situation concerning human rights violations against the victims.”
Furthermore, the NHRC has acknowledged the growing concern that despite various initiatives implemented by the states, the incidence of missing persons continues to escalate, with few being successfully located.
In another instance, the NHRC has taken notice of a media report indicating that inadequate medical care for a mother and her infant during pre and post-delivery led to the tragic death of her newborn at Chakradharpur Sub-Divisional Hospital in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district.
Notices have been dispatched to the Secretary of the Department of Health, Medical Education, and Family Welfare in Ranchi, as well as the Deputy Commissioner of West Singhbhum, demanding a detailed report on this incident within two weeks.
According to reports, the father was compelled to transport his infant’s body in a cardboard box to Bangrasai village after being denied an ambulance by the hospital on March 7.
The NHRC has noted that the contents of the news report, if true, indicate a serious violation of the victim's human rights.
Point of View
The NHRC's vigorous pursuit of reports on missing persons signals a crucial recognition of a deepening crisis. The initiative reflects a commitment to uphold human rights and tackle the alarming trend of increasing disappearances, especially among children. It represents a pivotal moment for accountability and action in safeguarding vulnerable populations.
NationPress
29 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the NHRC to seek reports from these states?
The NHRC responded to media reports highlighting the concerning number of missing persons cases, particularly children, prompting a demand for detailed reports from affected states.
What is the time frame for the states to submit their reports?
The states have been given a deadline of two weeks to provide their comprehensive reports to the NHRC.
How many missing persons cases are reported annually in Bihar?
Bihar reports between 12,000 to 14,000 missing persons cases each year, many of whom are children.
Which states are reported to have the highest human trafficking cases?
Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, and Maharashtra have the highest registered cases of human trafficking.
What actions is the NHRC taking regarding the healthcare incident in Jharkhand?
The NHRC has issued notices to local health authorities in Jharkhand for a detailed report on the lack of medical care that led to the death of a newborn.
