Amaravati: Raising fresh concerns over the safety of children, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered a fresh examination of missing girls cases in Andhra Pradesh and directed the state police to submit a detailed report on investigations carried out between 2022 and 2025.
The Commission has sought information on how many girls were reported missing during the period, how many have been traced, the progress of investigations in pending cases, and the steps being taken to locate children who remain unaccounted for. It has also asked police to explain the procedures followed while handling such cases and the measures in place to prevent crimes such as child trafficking.
The NHRC’s intervention follows a petition expressing concern over the number of missing girls in the state and alleging that several cases have not been investigated effectively. While taking cognisance of the matter, the Commission stopped short of making any adverse observations against the Andhra Pradesh Police, instead seeking a factual account before deciding whether further action is warranted.
The issue has also come under judicial scrutiny in recent months. Earlier, the Andhra Pradesh High Court sought a status report in the case of a two year old girl who went missing from East Godavari district. During the hearing, the court asked police to clarify whether the Supreme Court’s prescribed Standard Operating Procedure for investigating missing children had been followed and stressed the need for a prompt and thorough investigation.
Child rights advocates have repeatedly warned that every missing child case should be treated as an emergency. They argue that swift police action, close coordination with child welfare authorities and anti trafficking units, and regular monitoring can significantly improve the chances of tracing missing children and protecting them from exploitation.
The NHRC has now asked the Andhra Pradesh Police to furnish detailed data on missing children, recovery rates, investigation methods, and measures adopted to strengthen child safety. The Commission is expected to review the state’s response before deciding on any further recommendations or directions.
The fresh probe has once again brought the spotlight on the state’s missing children cases, with rights bodies and child welfare groups hoping that a closer review will help identify gaps in the system and strengthen efforts to ensure that every missing child is traced as quickly as possible.
ALSO READ: Panic Buying Triggers Fuel Shortage in Andhra Pradesh; CM Naidu Calls for Urgent Review
-
-
-
-
