The national capital, Delhi, has witnessed alarming figures regarding missing persons cases. According to recent reports, women, girls, and minors accounted for the highest number of missing persons reported during the beginning of 2026. Official data shows that 807 people were reported missing in the first 15 days of January 2026, including 509 women and girls. In addition, 191 cases involving missing minors were also reported during the same period.
The figures for 2025 also highlight the seriousness of the situation. Throughout the year, 24,508 missing persons cases were registered in Delhi, with women accounting for nearly 60 percent of the total. While 15,421 people were traced, 9,087 cases remain unresolved.
Reports indicate that the disappearance of teenage girls is a particularly serious concern. In 2025, 5,081 adolescents were reported missing, including 3,970 girls. Among them, 1,013 girls have still not been traced.
However, Delhi Police has clarified that the figures for January 2026 do not indicate any unusual rise compared to previous years. According to the police, around 2,000 missing persons cases are reported in the capital every month on average.
Human rights organizations and social activists have expressed concern over the safety of women and children, urging authorities to ensure swift investigations and effective search operations. Experts believe that factors such as rapid urbanization, family disputes, human trafficking, and other social issues require deeper investigation.
The increasing number of missing persons cases in Delhi has raised serious questions about law and order as well as public safety. As a result, pressure is mounting on the government and law enforcement agencies to take effective measures for the timely resolution and prevention of such cases.
