Delhi is one of the largest cities in India — and every day, many people are reported missing. In early 2026, official data and police records have put the spotlight back on this issue, raising serious concerns about safety, especially for women and children.
What Is Happening?
According to official police data, 807 people were reported missing in the first 15 days of January 2026 — averaging roughly 54 missing persons per day.
Among these:
- 509 were women and girls
- 298 were men
- 191 were minors
- Only 235 had been traced in that time frame.
This data has sparked public concern about safety in the city, especially for vulnerable groups.
The Numbers from Last Year
In 2025, the capital recorded about 24,508 missing person cases, one of the highest annual totals ever reported.
According to police figures:
- Women and girls made up over 60 % of the total missing persons in 2025.
- Teenagers and young adults form a large share of those untraced.
Despite these figures being consistent with past years, the sheer scale continues to alarm many residents.
Who Is Most Affected?
Women and girls appear to be particularly vulnerable. In 2025 data:
- Approximately 61 % of reported missing people were female.
- Teen girls aged 12–18 were the largest affected age group among missing children.
Children and young adults remain among the most concerning categories because of the risk factors they face.
Is There Good News?
Yes — law enforcement is actively trying to find and reunite missing individuals with their families.
One major effort is “Operation Milap”, a police initiative in Delhi that helped trace and reunite over 1,300 missing people in 2025 through CCTV checks, local enquiries, and coordination with transport hubs.
Special units focused on human trafficking and missing persons are also working around the clock to find clues and bring people home.
What Can You Do?
Immediate Actions if Someone Goes Missing:
- Report the case to police right away — you don’t have to wait 24 hours.
- Delhi Police maintains an online portal (ZIPNET) where missing person information is shared and updated.
- Check the Ministry of Women & Child Development listings for current missing persons alerts and photos.
Delays, even in the first few hours, can make searches harder.
Simple Safety Tips for Families
Prevention is the best defense. Here are some steps families can take to reduce risk:
- Carry ID Cards: Ensure children and elderly family members have identification and emergency contact numbers.
- Teach Essentials: Kids should know their full name, parents’ phone numbers, and how to find help in a crowd.
- Use Location Sharing: Share “Live Location” on apps like WhatsApp when travelling late or in unfamiliar areas.
- Stay Cautious in Crowds: Busy areas like railway stations and crowded markets can be high-risk zones without awareness and supervision.
A Complicated Picture
It’s important to note that authorities, while acknowledging the high numbers, say there is no clear “surge” in missing persons compared to historic patterns. Reports show that roughly 23,000–24,000 missing cases have been recorded annually in Delhi for several years.
Also, some missing cases turn out to be runaways, short-term absences, or situations unrelated to criminal activity — but they still create immense stress for families.
Conclusion
The issue of missing people in Delhi is complex and deeply worrying for many families. Whether framed as rising kidnappings, human trafficking, or systemic public safety concerns, the emotions and risks behind these numbers are real for those affected.
Awareness, early reporting, efficient police action, and community safety measures are key to reducing tragedies and bringing loved ones home.
Stay safe.
– The Team Trendsummary
