Delhi Sees Alarming Rise in Missing Persons Cases
Delhi is facing a worrying surge in missing persons cases, with official police data revealing that hundreds of people disappear every month. The trend, which was already serious in 2025, has continued into 2026, raising fresh concerns about public safety, especially for women, children, and teenagers.
In just the first 15 days of January 2026, as many as 807 people were reported missing across the national capital, according to Delhi Police data accessed by news agency PTI. This means, on average, around 54 people went missing every single day during this period.
What stands out most in these figures is that women and girls form nearly two-thirds of the missing persons, underlining the scale of vulnerability faced by females in the city.
Women and Girls Form the Majority of Missing Cases
Out of the 807 missing complaints registered between January 1 and January 15, 509 cases involved women and girls, while 298 involved men. Despite police efforts, the recovery rate remains a major concern.
So far, police have managed to trace 235 individuals, but 572 people are still unaccounted for, leaving hundreds of families anxiously waiting for updates about their loved ones.
This pattern reflects a longer-term issue. Data from 2025 shows that women consistently made up the largest share of missing persons cases in Delhi.
Missing Persons Data From 2025 Paints a Grim Picture
In the year 2025, Delhi recorded a total of 24,508 missing persons cases, making it one of the most troubling years on record.
- 14,870 women were reported missing, accounting for over 60 percent of all cases
- 9,638 men were reported missing
- Police traced 15,421 individuals during the year
- 9,087 cases remained unresolved by the end of 2025
The number of missing women in 2025 was the highest ever recorded in a single year in the city, highlighting a deep-rooted and persistent problem.
Children Among the Worst Affected Groups
Children and adolescents continue to be one of the most affected groups in missing cases. During the first half of January 2026 alone, 191 minors were reported missing in Delhi.
Among these cases:
- 146 were girls
- 45 were boys
This shows that girls are disproportionately affected even within the children’s category.
Teenagers Are the Most Vulnerable
Teenagers appear to be at the highest risk among minors. Data reveals that out of the 191 missing children:
- 169 were adolescents
- 138 were teenage girls
- 31 were teenage boys
Police have so far traced:
- 29 teenage girls
- 19 teenage boys
This means that nearly 71 percent of missing teenagers are still unaccounted for, making adolescent girls the most vulnerable group in the current crisis.
Younger Children Also Go Missing
The issue is not limited to teenagers. Younger children are also going missing at alarming rates.
Among children aged 8 to 12 years:
- 13 children were reported missing
- This included 8 boys and 5 girls
- Police traced only 3 boys
- 10 children from this age group remain missing
For children below 8 years of age:
- 9 missing cases were reported
- Police located 3 boys
- 6 children are still untraced
These figures underline the seriousness of the situation, as even very young children are not safe from going missing.
Adults Form the Largest Share Overall
While children and teenagers face high risks, adults still make up the largest number of missing persons overall.
In the first 15 days of January 2026:
- 616 adults were reported missing
- This included 363 women and 253 men
- Police traced 91 women and 90 men
- 435 adults remain missing
These numbers highlight how widespread the issue is across all age groups in the city.
Families Left in Distress and Uncertainty
Behind every statistic is a family dealing with fear, stress, and uncertainty. With hundreds of cases still unresolved, families are often left waiting for weeks or months without clear answers.
Many missing persons cases involve individuals who leave home due to personal conflicts, financial stress, or emotional issues, while others raise fears of trafficking, exploitation, or crime. Regardless of the reason, the emotional toll on families remains immense.
Questions Over Safety and Prevention Measures
The rising number of missing persons has raised serious questions about safety, monitoring, and preventive mechanisms in Delhi. Experts believe that stronger community awareness, faster response systems, and better coordination between police and social agencies are essential to address the crisis.
There are also calls for:
- Improved tracking and follow-up of missing cases
- Faster sharing of information with the public
- Greater focus on protecting women and minors
- Counseling and support systems for vulnerable youth
A Growing Concern That Demands Urgent Attention
The latest data from early 2026 suggests that the missing persons problem in Delhi is far from under control. With hundreds still missing, especially women, girls, and teenagers, the issue has become a major social and law-and-order challenge.
As the numbers continue to rise, the need for stronger preventive measures, quicker investigations, and long-term solutions has never been more urgent. For now, hundreds of families across Delhi continue to wait, hoping for the safe return of their loved ones.
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