In the first 15 days of 2026, Delhi reported 807 missing persons, with nearly 700 of them being women and children – 509 women and girls and 191 minors. That averages to 54 people disappearing every day in the capital. Delhi Police confirm that 572 are still untraced, while only 235 have been found so far. The rising number of missing women and children has alarmed families and authorities alike. Experts point to a mix of urban risks, family issues, and social pressures as key factors. Authorities are taking action, but citizens are urged to remain vigilant and follow safety measures.
Delhi Missing Persons Statistics January 2026: Women and Children Most Affected
Delhi’s streets may be crowded, but behind the hustle, families are grieving. The official numbers for the first half of January 2026:
- Total missing: 807 cases in 15 days
- Women and girls: 509 cases (over 60%)
- Men: 298 cases
- Children under 18: 191, including 146 girls and 45 boys
- Recovered so far: 235, leaving 572 still missing
Teenagers are the hardest hit. Among 169 missing teens, 138 are girls and 31 boys – with 71% still untraced. Younger children are not exempt: 13 children aged 8-12 and 9 under 8 remain missing, highlighting daily risks families face. Last year, 2025 saw over 24,000 people reported missing in Delhi, with women making up 60% of the cases. The trend in 2026 is alarming and requires urgent attention.
Why Women Are Disappearing in Delhi and the Causes
Experts say several factors contribute to women going missing in Delhi:
- Running away for freedom or love: Many teenagers leave home voluntarily to chase dreams, education, or relationships. Most are not kidnapped.
- Urban dangers: Crowded streets, dark alleys, and fraudulent job offers pose real threats. Women face added risks from strangers.
- Family conflicts: Arguments and strict household rules push some teens to leave secretly.
- Criminal exploitation: A smaller number of cases involve kidnappings or shady deals, but authorities report most women leave voluntarily.
With over 20 million residents, Delhi provides both opportunities and risks. Quick reporting and awareness significantly improve chances of recovery.
Delhi Police Action: Operation Milap Brings Missing People Home
Authorities have stepped up efforts. Operation Milap, a special missing persons task force, reunited 75 people in January alone, including 28 children and 47 adults. The operation uses CCTV tracking, phone monitoring, and interstate coordination. South-West Delhi has seen quick recoveries thanks to targeted searches. Challenges remain, including cross-border movement and deliberate concealment. Apps like Khoya-Paya encourage families to report cases quickly, boosting recovery chances.
Delhi Missing Persons Trends 2025 vs 2026 Numbers Revealed
2025 recorded 24,508 missing cases in which 14,870 women, 9,638 men. Authorities recovered 15,421, leaving 9,087 unresolved. The trend continues in 2026: women account for 61-63% of missing cases, and children about 25%. Experts cite rapid urban growth, social media influence, and weaker family communication as key causes. Technological solutions like drones, facial recognition, and national databases are improving recovery rates, but increased awareness, police presence, and community involvement are still critical.
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How Citizens Can Help: Safety Measures and Community Vigilance
Authorities stress that community involvement is critical to preventing disappearances. Families are encouraged to report missing persons immediately using apps like Khoya-Paya and by contacting the police through 112, which operates 24/7. Simple safety practices can save lives: children should share travel plans with parents, avoid isolated routes, and verify strangers before accepting any help. Parents and guardians should monitor social media and online interactions, and neighborhood watch programs can act as an early warning system. Schools and local organizations are increasingly conducting awareness sessions to teach kids how to stay safe in public spaces and online. Collaborative efforts between citizens, technology, and law enforcement can drastically reduce missing cases in Delhi.
