NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported increasing number of missing people and the poor record in tracing them

**Executive Summary** The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report detailing an increasing number of missing persons and a poor recovery rate, particularly concerning human trafficking. Notices have been issued to Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police in five states, requesting a detailed report within two weeks. The NHRC also requires the NCRB to provide the latest statistical data on missing persons in these states within the same timeframe. **Key Points / Main Content** * **NHRC Action:** The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated action based on a media report concerning the rising number of missing persons and ineffective tracing. * **Human Trafficking Data:** Data suggests a high number of human trafficking cases registered in Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Odisha leads in minor boy trafficking, and Rajasthan leads in minor girl trafficking. * **Concerns Raised:** The media report indicates that missing children are potentially forced into begging, child labour, prostitution, and other illegal activities, raising serious human rights violation concerns. * **Increasing Trend:** The NHRC notes a concerning trend of increasing missing persons despite state-level measures, with a low recovery rate. * **Notices Issued:** Notices have been sent to the Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police in Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. * **Report Requirement:** The notices demand a detailed report within two weeks, outlining steps taken or proposed to address the increase in missing persons, especially children. * **NCRB Data Request:** The NHRC has also requested the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to provide the latest statistical data on the status of missing persons in these five states within two weeks. **Impact Analysis** **Chief Secretaries of Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan** * **Impact:** Responsible for the overall administration and law and order in their respective states, they are directly impacted by the NHRC's inquiry into the rising number of missing persons and human trafficking. * **Action Required:** Submit a detailed report to the NHRC within two weeks, outlining measures taken and proposed to address the issue of missing persons, particularly children. **Directors General of Police (DGPs) of Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan** * **Impact:** As heads of the police forces in these states, they are directly involved in investigating missing person cases and human trafficking. The NHRC's action targets their department's effectiveness in tracing missing individuals. * **Action Required:** Provide details on the steps taken and proposed by the police to combat the increasing number of missing persons and improve tracing efforts, as part of the report to the NHRC. **National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)** * **Impact:** The NCRB is a central agency responsible for collecting and analyzing crime data. It is required to provide specific statistical information related to missing persons. * **Action Required:** Furnish the latest statistical data on the status of missing persons in Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan to the NHRC within two weeks.

Key Entities Referenced