LUCKNOW, June 10 -- Taking a serious view of the rising number of missing minor girls in the state capital, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court on Monday expressed concern over police functioning and directed senior officers to ensure effective monitoring of such cases. The court directed that the matter be listed as the first case at 10.15 am on June 10 (Wednesday).

The court also sought an explanation from Lucknow police commissioner Amrendra Sengar regarding similar incidents reported across police stations in the city.

Justice Praveen Kumar Giri passed the order in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by a minor girl through her father.

Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Deeksha Sharma appeared before the court and...