National Human Rights Commission. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday (March 13, 2026) issued notices to chief secretaries and directors general of police (DGPs) in Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, expressing concern over the increasing number of missing persons reported in these states.
The commission took note of media reports that Bihar has been recording 12,000 to 14,000 cases of missing persons annually since 2013, a significant proportion of which involve children. Reports indicate that only two-thirds of the missing children have been located.
Most affected children
Citing National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the NHRC noted that the highest number of human trafficking cases were reported in Odisha, Bihar, Telangana and Maharashtra.
Odisha recorded the highest number of cases of trafficking in minor boys, followed by Bihar, while Rajasthan reported the most cases of trafficking in minor girls.
According to reports, some of the missing children are suspected of being forced into begging, child labor, prostitution and other illegal activities.
As the matter raises serious concerns about human rights violations, the Commission has asked the authorities in five states to submit a detailed report within two weeks.
The NHRC also noted concerns that the number of missing persons continues to rise despite measures taken by states and that only a limited number of cases have been traced.
The Commission requested information on steps already taken or proposed to address the growing number of missing persons, especially children. It also asked the NCRB to provide the latest statistical data on the status of missing persons in these states within the same time frame.
Published – 13 March 2026 21:20 IST
