NHRC Action Against Rising Missing Persons Cases

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report highlighting an increasing number of missing persons and concerns about low tracing rates. The Commission has accordingly issued notices to five states to assess the ground reality. 

Human Trafficking in Several States 

According to the report, between 12,000 and 14,000 missing person cases have been registered every year in Bihar since 2013. Many of the cases reportedly involve children, and only about two-thirds of the missing children have been traced. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) indicates that the highest number of human trafficking cases have been registered in Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.  

As per report, Odisha recorded the highest number of trafficking cases involving minor boys, followed by Bihar. Rajasthan reportedly registered the highest number of cases involving minor girls.  

Missing Children and NHRC Action 

According to the media report published on 9th March 2026, there are suspicions that many missing children may be forced into begging, child labour, prostitution, and other illegal activities. 

To assess the reported violation of human rights, NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. It has asked them to submit a detailed report within two weeks. 

NCRB Data on Missing Persons 

The Commission has also asked the NCRB to provide the latest statistical data on the status of missing persons in these five states within two weeks. They sought details from the states on the steps taken or proposed to address the increasing number of missing persons, particularly children.