NHRC Responds to Escalating Missing Persons Cases, Requests Reports from Five States

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated suo motu cognizance regarding the alarming rise in the number of missing persons reported in various states across India. This decision follows media coverage highlighting issues related to cases that remain unresolved, particularly emphasizing the meager rates of recovery. The NHRC has dispatched notices to Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police in Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, mandating a comprehensive report addressing the situation within a two-week timeframe.

Statistics Reveal Troubling Trends in Missing Persons

Reports indicate that Bihar has documented between 12,000 and 14,000 instances of missing persons annually since 2013, a significant portion of which involves children. Alarmingly, only around two-thirds of these missing children have been located, raising serious concerns over their wellbeing and potential risks of exploitation. The NHRC has underscored the need for immediate intervention to improve these disconcerting statistics.

Human Trafficking Data Highlights Regional Challenges

The NHRC referenced data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), pointing out that Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, and Maharashtra are notable for registering the highest rates of human trafficking cases. Within this context, Odisha ranks first in incidents of trafficking minor boys, while Bihar follows closely. Rajasthan, on the other hand, shows the highest volume of cases concerning the trafficking of minor girls. This troubling data emphasizes the intertwining issues of missing persons and human trafficking throughout these regions.

Concerns About Exploitation of Missing Children

In response to a media report dated March 9, the NHRC has expressed alarm over allegations that many missing children may be forcibly engaged in illegal activities, including begging, child labor, and prostitution. The potentially profound implications of these allegations bring to light critical human rights considerations. The NHRC’s observations suggest that if this information is indeed accurate, it raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current measures implemented by state authorities to prevent such violations.

Immediate Action Requested from State Authorities

Recognizing the growing plight of missing individuals, particularly children, the NHRC has urged the involved states to elaborate on their measures to combat this issue. The Commission has specifically requested a detailed report outlining actions already taken or proposed strategies aimed at reducing the number of missing persons. This report must be submitted alongside the most recent statistical data from the NCRB concerning the status of missing persons within the designated states, also expected within the two-week period.

Continuation of Oversight on Human Rights Issues

The NHRC’s proactive stance on this pressing issue reflects its commitment to safeguarding human rights and addressing systemic failures. With the ongoing rise in missing persons cases, the NHRC emphasizes the urgency of government accountability and effective policy implementation to ensure the safety and rights of all individuals, particularly the vulnerable population of missing children.

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