Official police records show a sharp rise in missing persons cases in early 2026, with women, girls and teenagers disproportionately affected, raising serious concerns over safety, tracking mechanisms and long-pending unresolved cases in the national capital.
Delhi has begun 2026 on a worrying note, with a significant number of missing persons cases reported in just the first two weeks of the year. Official data from Delhi Police reveals that more than 800 people were reported missing between January 1 and January 15, highlighting a persistent and deeply troubling trend in the national capital.
According to the data, 807 individuals went missing during the 15-day period, translating to an average of 54 cases every day. Women and girls accounted for nearly two-thirds of these cases, underlining their continued vulnerability. Of the total missing persons, 509 were women and girls, while 298 were men.
Minors and Teenagers Most at Risk
Children and adolescents emerged as one of the most affected groups. A total of 191 minors were reported missing during the first half of January, with girls making up a significant share. Police records indicate that an average of 13 children went missing daily, and girls accounted for 146 of these cases.
Teenagers formed the largest segment among missing minors. Out of 169 adolescents reported missing, 138 were girls and 31 were boys. While police managed to trace 48 adolescents, nearly 71 per cent remain untraced, reflecting serious gaps in recovery efforts. Younger children were also affected, with cases reported across age groups, including those below eight years.
Adults Dominate Overall Numbers
Adults continued to constitute the largest share of missing persons overall. During the same period, 616 adults were reported missing, including 363 women and 253 men. Police were able to trace 181 adults, but 435 cases remain unresolved, adding to the growing backlog.
The early 2026 figures mirror a long-standing pattern. In 2025 alone, Delhi recorded 24,508 missing persons cases, with women accounting for over 60 per cent. Despite thousands being traced, more than 9,000 cases from last year remain unsolved.
A decade-long analysis paints an even grimmer picture. Over the past ten years, more than 2.32 lakh people have gone missing in Delhi. While around 1.8 lakh were eventually traced, nearly 52,000 cases continue to remain unresolved.
Teenagers, particularly girls, face sustained risks. Since 2016, an average of over 5,000 teens have gone missing every year. The upward trend has continued steadily, with 2025 recording the highest number of missing women, raising urgent questions around safety, prevention and long-term resolution mechanisms.
