New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports highlighting a sharp rise in missing persons cases across India, with Odisha leading the way in human trafficking of minor boys, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data.

While Odisha tops minor boys’ cases, outpacing Bihar, Rajasthan records the most minor girls trafficking instances.

Telangana and Maharashtra are the other states with high numbers in boys and girls trafficking.

Despite initiatives taken by states, recovery rates have been low, indicating deep human rights concerns and systemic gaps.

In Bihar, for instance, 12,000-14,000 cases are logged annually since 2013, many involving children, yet only about two-thirds of the missing minors are recovered, an NHRC release said.

As per a March 9 report, children are being coerced into begging, child labour, prostitution, and other crimes.

Given the seriousness of the situation, NHRC has issued notices to Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police in Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, Maharashtra and Rajasthan seeking detailed reports within two weeks on measures taken or planned to curb the surge, especially for children, alongside updated NCRB statistics on missing persons.