More than 800 people were reported missing in Delhi between January 1 and 15, 2026, with women and girls making up a majority of the cases.
During these two weeks, 807 missing-person reports were registered, averaging approximately 54 disappearances per day. Of these, 509 were women and girls, while 298 were men.
So far, authorities have traced 235 individuals, but 572 remain unaccounted for, leaving families with ongoing uncertainty.
Among the missing, 191 were minors, highlighting growing worries about child safety in the capital. Of these, 146 were girls, and 45 were boys.
Teenagers constituted the bulk of missing minors, with 169 adolescents reported missing, including 138 girls and 31 boys. Police data shows that nearly 71% of these teenage cases are still unresolved.
In younger age groups:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" aria-level="1">
13 children aged 8-12 went missing (eight boys, five girls), and only a few have been found.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" aria-level="1">
Nine children under 8 were also reported missing, with only a handful traced.
</li>
</ul>
Adults still formed the largest segment of cases, with 616 adults reported missing during the same period, 363 women and 253 men. Police have located 181 adults, but 435 remain untraced.
These early 2026 figures reflect a broader pattern seen in recent years. In 2025 alone, Delhi recorded over 24,500 missing persons cases, with women comprising more than 60% of the total. A decade-long review shows that roughly 2.3 lakh people have gone missing in the capital over the past 10 years, with around 52,000 cases still unresolved, according to Delhi Police records.
Police officials say efforts to trace missing people are ongoing, with special focus on cases involving women and children.

Over 800 people reported missing in Delhi in early 2026; women and teens dominate cases

Delhi: 500+ Women Missing in First 15 Days

Over 800 people reported missing in Delhi in early 2026; women and teens dominate cases

February 4, 2026 | 12:04 IST