New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to five states, including Rajasthan and Bihar, seeking details of steps taken in cases of missing persons, including children.
With concerns rising over child abduction, the NHRC said it has decided to take suo motu cognisance and examine the status of investigations and follow-up in missing cases, citing recent media reports about delays and slow progress.
According to the commission’s statement, Bihar has reported around 12,000 to 14,000 missing persons every year from 2013 to the present, with many cases involving children. It added that only about two-thirds of missing children have been traced so far.
The NHRC referred to National Crime Records Bureau data indicating higher numbers of human trafficking cases in Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. It noted Odisha leads in cases related to trafficking of boys, Bihar ranks second, and Rajasthan has the highest number of cases involving trafficking of girls.
The commission said missing children are suspected to be pushed into begging, child labour, sexual exploitation and other illegal activities, calling it a human rights concern. Notices have been sent to the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of the five states, seeking a response within two weeks.
