NEW DELHI: A startling revelation from Delhi Police data shows that more than 800 individuals were reported missing in the national capital during the initial fifteen days of 2026. The statistics highlight a deeply concerning pattern, with women and girls accounting for nearly two-thirds of these cases, raising significant questions about safety and security in the city.
Alarming Statistics for Early 2026
Between January 1 and January 15, 2026, a total of 807 missing person cases were officially registered with the Delhi Police. This translates to an average of approximately 54 cases being reported each day, indicating a persistent and troubling issue. A detailed breakdown reveals that 509 of these cases involved women and girls, while 298 cases concerned men.
Vulnerable Minors and the Search Efforts
The data further underscores the vulnerability of children, with 191 minors reported missing. This group included 146 girls and 45 boys. In a positive development, police authorities have successfully traced 235 individuals so far. Among those found are 54 children, comprising 25 boys and 29 girls, and 181 adults, which includes 90 men and 91 women.
However, the situation remains grave for many families, as around 572 people are still untraced. The search continues, with police officials confirming that ongoing efforts are being made to locate all missing persons.
Age-Specific Analysis and Adult Cases
Delving into specific age groups reveals more details. In the 8 to 12 years category, 13 children went missing—eight boys and five girls. To date, only three boys from this group have been traced. For children under eight years old, nine were reported missing. While three boys have been found, six children in this youngest bracket remain missing.
Adults constituted the largest share of the missing persons, with 616 cases reported. This includes 363 women and 253 men. Police have managed to trace 181 adults, but 435 adults are still missing, according to the latest figures.
Mirroring a Longer-Term Trend
These early 2026 numbers are not an isolated incident but reflect a persistent, longer-term trend in Delhi. Looking back at 2025, a total of 24,508 people were reported missing in the city. This included 14,870 women and 9,638 men. During that year, police traced 15,421 individuals, leaving 9,087 cases unresolved.
A Decade of Concern: 2016–2026 Analysis
A decadal analysis covering the years 2016 through 2026 paints an even more worrying picture. Over the past ten years, a staggering 2,32,737 people have been reported missing in Delhi. While authorities have managed to trace about 1.8 lakh individuals, nearly 52,000 cases remain unresolved, highlighting a systemic challenge.
Continued Risk for Teenagers
The data also brings into sharp focus the continued risk faced by teenagers in the capital city. Since 2016, an average of over 5,000 teenagers have gone missing each year. Disturbingly, girls account for nearly 3,500 of these cases annually.
In 2025 alone, 5,081 teenagers were reported missing, including 3,970 girls. Of these, 1,013 teenagers, predominantly girls, have yet to be found, underscoring an urgent need for targeted interventions and preventive measures.
Police officials have reiterated their commitment, stating that efforts to trace all missing persons are ongoing and will continue with increased vigilance and resources.
