Delhi Missing Persons: 800+ Vanish in 15 Days – Women & Children at Risk (2026)

Over 800 People Reported Missing in Delhi in First Half of January 2026

Delhi is facing a growing crisis of missing persons, with more than 800 individuals reported unaccounted for in the first 15 days of January 2026. The figures, released by Delhi Police, reveal a concerning trend that continues from previous years, highlighting deep-rooted issues related to safety, migration, and law enforcement challenges in the city.

An average of 54 people are reported missing each day in the Indian capital, with a significant number of cases remaining unresolved. As of January 15th, 572 people remain untraced, despite police efforts to locate them.

Women and Girls Disproportionately Affected

Women and girls make up the majority of those reported missing. Of the 807 total cases, 509 are women and girls, representing nearly two-thirds of all disappearances. This reflects ongoing safety challenges in urban spaces, including risks related to trafficking, domestic disputes, and economic vulnerability.

Children at Risk: Teen Girls Most Vulnerable

Children are also significantly impacted, with 191 minors reported missing during the first half of January. Within this group, girls are disproportionately affected, accounting for 146 of the missing minors, compared to 45 boys.

Teenagers are particularly at risk. A total of 169 adolescents were reported missing, with 138 being girls and 31 boys. Worryingly, approximately 71 percent of these teenage cases remain unresolved.

Younger children are also vulnerable. Thirteen children between the ages of 8 and 12 went missing, with only three boys having been found. Nine children under the age of eight were reported missing, and only three boys have been located so far, leaving six children still untraced.

Adult Disappearances Contribute to the Crisis

Adults comprise the largest portion of missing persons cases in Delhi. Between January 1st and 15th, 616 adults were reported missing, including 363 women and 253 men. While police have traced 181 adults, 435 remain missing.

A Decade-Long Trend of Rising Numbers

The current crisis reflects a long-term trend. In 2025, Delhi recorded over 24,500 missing persons cases, with women accounting for more than 60 percent of the total. Over the past decade, nearly 232,737 people have gone missing in Delhi, and approximately 52,000 cases remain unresolved.

In 2025 alone, 5,081 teenagers were reported missing, including 3,970 girls, of whom 1,013 are still yet to be found.

Factors Contributing to the Problem

Experts suggest several factors contribute to the high number of missing persons, including seasonal migration, financial stress, family conflicts, exploitation, trafficking networks, and a lack of awareness about reporting mechanisms. Urban pressures, population density, and limited resources for preventive policing also complicate the situation.

Police officials state they are continuing efforts to trace missing persons, with a particular focus on women and children.