The first two weeks of 2026 have raised serious concerns about public safety in the national capital. Police data shows that more than 800 people went missing in Delhi between January 1 and January 15, with women and children forming a large share of the cases. The numbers highlight a worrying trend that continues from previous years and point to deep-rooted issues related to safety, migration, social vulnerability, and law enforcement challenges in the city.
The figures reveal that dozens of people are reported missing every day, and a large number of these cases remain unresolved. The situation has once again brought the spotlight to women’s safety and child protection in Delhi.
800+ Missing in Delhi in Just 15 Days
According to police records, a total of 807 people were reported missing in Delhi in the first 15 days of 2026. This translates to an average of around 54 missing persons every day.
Out of the total cases, police have been able to trace only 235 individuals so far. As many as 572 people are still unaccounted for, raising concerns about the speed and effectiveness of recovery efforts.
The data suggests that missing persons cases are not isolated incidents but part of a continuing pattern that affects the city year after year.
People Missing in Delhi: 500 Women Among Them
Women and girls account for the majority of missing cases reported during this period. Of the 807 missing persons, 509 were women and girls, making up nearly two-thirds of the total cases.
The high number of missing women reflects ongoing safety challenges in urban spaces, including risks related to trafficking, domestic disputes, economic distress, and lack of secure living conditions. Many of these cases remain unresolved, adding to the anxiety of families and communities.
Missing Children in Delhi: Teen Girls Most Affected
Children accounted for a significant portion of the missing cases. Police data shows that 191 minors went missing during the first half of January. Among them, girls were the most affected, with 146 missing girls compared to 45 boys.
Teenagers formed the largest group within the missing children category. A total of 169 adolescents were reported missing, including 138 girls and 31 boys. Nearly 71 per cent of these teenage cases are still unresolved, which has raised serious concerns about adolescent safety.
Younger children were also affected. In the 8 to 12 age group, 13 children went missing, while nine children below the age of eight were reported missing. Only a few of these younger children have been traced so far.
People Missing in Delhi: Adults Among the Highest Number
Adults remain the largest group among missing persons in Delhi. Between January 1 and 15, police recorded 616 missing adults, including 363 women and 253 men.
Authorities managed to trace 181 adults, but 435 adult cases are still pending. These numbers indicate that missing cases in Delhi are not limited to children alone and that adult disappearances form a major part of the problem.
Factors such as migration, job-related movement, family disputes, homelessness, and mental health challenges often contribute to adult missing cases.
Why Are People Missing in Delhi: The Whole Case
The missing persons data from early 2026 reflects a long-term trend in Delhi. In 2025, the city recorded over 24,500 missing persons cases, with women accounting for more than 60 per cent of the total.
A decade-long analysis shows that nearly 2.3 lakh people have gone missing in Delhi over the last 10 years. Around 52,000 of these cases are still unresolved, indicating persistent gaps in tracking, prevention, and coordination.
Police officials say they continue efforts to trace missing persons, with special focus on women and children.
Why Are These Many People Missing in Just 15 Days?
Experts point to several reasons behind the sharp numbers. Seasonal migration, financial stress after the year-end, family conflicts, exploitation, trafficking networks, and lack of awareness about reporting mechanisms all play a role.
Urban pressures, population density, and limited resources for preventive policing further complicate the situation. The data suggest that stronger preventive measures, faster response systems, and community awareness are urgently needed.
