More than 500 women and girls were reported missing in Delhi during the first 15 days of 2026, making up nearly two-thirds of all missing cases recorded in the capital, according to police data. Between January 1 and 15, a total of 807 people were reported missing, of whom 509 were women and girls.
The figures translate to an average of around 54 missing persons reported each day. Of the total cases, police have traced 235 individuals so far, while 572 people remain unaccounted for. This includes 509 women and girls and 298 men, official records showed.
Minors constituted a significant portion of the missing cases, raising serious concerns over child safety. Of the 191 minors reported missing during the period, girls accounted for the majority, with 146 cases compared to 45 boys, news agency PTI reported. Teenagers formed the largest group among missing minors, with 169 adolescents reported missing. Of these, 138 were girls and 31 were boys. Police data indicates that nearly 71 per cent of teenage cases remain unresolved.
In the 8–12 age group, 13 children were reported missing, including eight boys and five girls. Additionally, nine children below the age of eight also went missing during the same period. Only six children from these younger age groups have been traced so far, the data showed.
Adults continued to form the largest category of missing persons. During the first half of January, 616 adults were reported missing, including 363 women and 253 men. Police have been able to locate 181 adults, while 435 adult cases remain pending.
The latest data reflects a troubling long-term trend in the national capital. In 2025 alone, Delhi recorded more than 24,500 missing persons cases, with women accounting for over 60 per cent of the total. A decade-long analysis reveals that nearly 2.3 lakh people have gone missing in Delhi over the past 10 years, with around 52,000 cases still unresolved.
Police officials said efforts to trace missing persons are ongoing, with special emphasis on cases involving women and children.
