The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan to submit detailed reports on missing person cases within two weeks. The focus is on addressing the rising number of missing individuals, particularly children. NHRC has also requested updated statistical data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) regarding missing persons in these states.
The NHRC’s actions follow concerns raised by media reports indicating a significant number of missing person cases, with a particular emphasis on children. The Commission is alarmed by the statistics, revealing that a substantial portion of missing children in Bihar remain unrecovered. Additionally, the NCRB data highlights a prevalence of human trafficking cases in Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
Notably, Odisha leads in the number of minor boys trafficking cases, closely followed by Bihar. On the other hand, Rajasthan records the highest instances of trafficking involving minor girls. The reported activities these children are subjected to include forced begging, child labor, prostitution, and other illicit practices. NHRC has expressed grave concerns over potential human rights violations in these cases.
In a separate incident, NHRC has also taken notice of a tragic event at Chakradharpur Sub-Divisional Hospital in Jharkhand, where a lack of adequate medical care led to the death of a newborn. The Commission has demanded detailed reports from the relevant authorities in Jharkhand within a fortnight. The incident, as reported, underscores a critical issue concerning the rights of the individuals affected.
