NHRC Seeks Action Taken Report from Odisha DGP Over Missing Women and Children; HRF India’s Complaint Triggers Intervention
Commission Directs Inquiry into Alleged Disappearance of Women and Minor Girls; Odisha Police Asked to Submit Report Within Four Weeks
Bhubaneswar, 21 October 2026: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), New Delhi, has taken cognisance of a complaint filed by Human Rights Front India (HRF India) concerning the alleged disappearance of a large number of women and children, including minor girls, in Odisha. Acting on the complaint submitted by Shri Manoj Jena, Chairperson of HRF India, the Commission has directed the Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha, to conduct an inquiry and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks.
The direction was issued by the NHRC Law Division in Case No. 1140/18/0/2026-WC, through a communication dated 21 October 2026, addressed to the Director General of Police, Odisha, Police Headquarters, Cuttack.
HRF India Raises Serious Human Rights Concerns
In its complaint dated 5 October 2026, HRF India highlighted the grave concerns surrounding the disappearance of women and children, including minor girls, across Odisha. The complaint alleged that thousands of missing persons remain untraced despite police efforts and raised concerns about possible human trafficking networks, inadequate preventive measures, and deficiencies in the systems for tracking missing persons.
The organisation urged the authorities to strengthen anti-trafficking units, establish a dedicated monitoring mechanism, ensure prompt investigation into missing-person cases, and provide appropriate rehabilitation and counselling to rescued victims.
NHRC Invokes Constitutional Protection of Life and Liberty
After examining the complaint, the NHRC observed that the allegations raised serious human rights concerns involving the fundamental rights to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The Commission also emphasised the State’s responsibility to ensure the safety and security of citizens.
Accordingly, the NHRC directed its Registry to forward a copy of the complaint to the Odisha DGP for an inquiry and an expeditious report. The Commission has requested that the Action Taken Report be submitted within four weeks from the date of receipt of the communication.
HRF India Welcomes NHRC Intervention
Welcoming the Commission’s intervention, Human Rights Front India views the direction as an important step towards strengthening accountability and ensuring that cases involving missing women and children receive urgent attention from the concerned authorities.
The organisation emphasises that every missing woman and child deserves a timely, effective and sensitive investigation. It has called for stronger coordination among police units, effective monitoring of trafficking-related cases, improved tracking mechanisms, and comprehensive support for survivors and their families.
HRF India further urges the Odisha Government and police administration to treat the issue as a matter of priority, strengthen preventive action, and ensure that the rights, dignity and safety of women and children are protected.
