More than 500 women and girls were reported missing in Delhi during the first half of January 2026, forming nearly two-thirds of all missing person cases recorded in the city, according to police data.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, between January 1 and January 15, a total of 807 people were reported missing, including 509 women and girls and 298 men. The figures indicate that, on average, about 54 missing person cases were reported each day during this period. Police records show that 235 individuals have been traced so far, while 572 people are still unaccounted for.
The data also highlights concerns related to child safety. Out of the total cases, 191 involved minors, with girls making up a significant proportion, 146 missing girls compared to 45 boys. Teenagers accounted for most of the minor cases, with 169 adolescents reported missing, including 138 girls and 31 boys. Police data indicates that nearly 71 per cent of these teenage cases remain unresolved, Hindustan Times has reported.
In the 8–12 age group, 13 children were reported missing, eight boys and five girls, while nine children below the age of eight were also reported missing. Only six children from these younger age groups have been traced so far.
Adults continued to form the largest category of missing persons. During the same period, 616 adults were reported missing, including 363 women and 253 men. Of these, police were able to trace 181 adults, while 435 cases are still pending, as reported by Hindustan Times.
The latest figures reflect a continuing trend in the national capital. In 2025, Delhi recorded more than 24,500 missing persons cases, with women accounting for over 60 per cent of the total.
A decade-long analysis shows that nearly 2.3 lakh people have gone missing in the city over the past ten years, with around 52,000 cases still unresolved. Police officials said efforts to trace missing persons are ongoing, with special focus on cases involving women and children, Hindustan Times has reported.
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