More than 800 people went missing in Delhi in the first half of January 2026 alone. This detailed Article explains trends, reasons, affected groups, police challenges, and guides what families can do to stay safe.
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A City Searching for Answers
Every morning, thousands of families in Delhi step out for work, school, or daily chores with one quiet hope. That everyone who leaves home will return safely. For many households, that hope is breaking. In just the first 15 days of January 2026, more than 800 people were reported missing in the capital, according to police records. Behind each number is a family waiting for a phone call, a child who did not come back from school, or a woman who never reached her destination.
This is not a sudden problem. Police data indicate that the number of missing persons cases in Delhi has been steadily rising over the last five years. The numbers point to a deeper social issue that affects ordinary families across income levels and neighborhoods.
The numbers and what they mean
In 2020, Delhi Police recorded around 38,000 missing persons cases. This number rose to nearly 42,000 in 2021. By 2022, it crossed 45,000. In 2023, the figure went beyond 49,000, and in 2024, it touched close to 54,000 cases. Preliminary data for 2025 shows the trend continuing, with over 56,000 cases reported.
Women and children make up a large share of these cases. On average, children account for nearly 45 percent of missing persons reports each year, while women make up around 30 percent. Many are eventually traced, but thousands remain untraced for months or even years. A police officer working in the missing persons unit said, “Most people see recovery numbers and feel relieved. But even a few days of disappearance can cause deep trauma. For families, every hour matters.”
Why are missing cases increasing?
There is no single reason behind the rise in missing cases in Delhi. Police and social workers say the problem is linked to a mix of social, economic, and urban pressures. Rapid migration is one major factor, as the city attracts workers from across the country. Many come alone, without strong family support or stable housing. When they go missing, there is often no one to report it quickly. Poverty and family conflict also contribute to the issue. Some children run away due to domestic violence, academic pressure, or neglect. Many young women leave home to escape forced marriages or abuse, while others are trapped by false job offers or misleading relationships that later turn exploitative. As social worker Meena Verma, who works closely with missing children, explains, many teenagers leave home believing they can manage on their own. They underestimate the risks, and once contact is lost, tracing them becomes very difficult. Mental health issues and substance abuse are also growing concerns, particularly among adults, as people struggling emotionally in crowded cities often slip through the cracks.
Who is most affected and why?
Children from low-income families are among the most vulnerable. Many work in informal jobs or travel alone across the city. Lack of supervision and unsafe public spaces increase their risk. Young women between the ages of 15 and 30 form another high-risk group. Police say many cases involve elopement, but a significant number involve deception, trafficking, or forced labor. Women who migrate alone for work are especially vulnerable. Elderly people also appear in missing lists, often due to memory-related illnesses. In crowded markets and transport hubs, they can easily lose their way and fail to return home. A resident of East Delhi, whose brother went missing last year, said, “We searched everywhere. Police helped, but the city is too big. Without photos or digital records, people disappear.”
Challenges faced by the police
Tracing missing persons in a city as large as Delhi is a complex task. Police deal with thousands of cases at the same time. Many reports lack recent photographs or accurate details. Migrant families often cannot provide identity documents. Another challenge is delayed reporting. Families sometimes wait days before approaching the police, hoping the person will return on their own. By then, crucial time is lost.
Technology helps, but it has limits. CCTV coverage is uneven. Mobile phone tracking requires legal approvals and depends on the phone being active. Coordination between states is also slow when missing persons move outside Delhi. A senior police official said, “Our teams work around the clock, but public cooperation is key. Early reporting and accurate information make a big difference.”
Steps taken and gaps that remain
Delhi Police have set up dedicated missing persons units in all districts. Data is shared with national crime databases. Police also work with NGOs, child welfare committees, and shelter homes to trace missing individuals. Awareness campaigns in schools and public places have increased. Helpline numbers and online reporting systems are now available. In many cases, these steps have improved recovery rates. However, gaps remain. Shelters are overcrowded. Follow-up between states is slow. Families often feel lost after filing a report, unsure of the next steps. There is also a shortage of trained staff for counseling and long-term support.
What families and citizens can do
Awareness is the first line of safety. Families should keep recent photographs and basic identity details of all members, especially children and elderly people. Teaching children their home address and a contact number can help. If someone goes missing, reporting it immediately is crucial. There is no legal waiting period. Citizens should use police helplines and online portals without delay. Neighbors, shopkeepers, and transport workers can also play a role by staying alert and reporting suspicious situations. Community involvement often helps locate missing persons faster.
A call for care and responsibility
The rising number of missing persons in Delhi is not just a police issue. It reflects social stress, inequality, and gaps in care. While many are eventually found, the emotional cost to families is lasting. This issue calls for stronger systems, faster response, and a more caring society. Awareness, responsibility, and cooperation can save lives. The goal is not to create fear, but to ensure that every person who leaves home has a safer chance of returning.
Conclusion
The growing number of missing persons in Delhi is a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility. Behind every case is a family living with fear, uncertainty, and unanswered questions. While police efforts and technology have helped trace many people, the rising trend shows that deeper social problems cannot be ignored. Stronger coordination between states, better support systems for vulnerable groups, and faster response mechanisms are urgently needed. At the same time, families and communities must stay alert, report cases without delay, and look out for one another. Simple steps such as awareness, communication, and timely action can make a real difference. This is not about creating panic, but about building care, trust, and accountability across society. When institutions and citizens work together, the chances of bringing loved ones home increase. Ensuring that every person returns safely should remain a priority for the city and for everyone who calls Delhi home.
Source: Over 800 go missing in Delhi in first 15 days of 2026, police data shows: 54 people a day & Over 800 go missing in Delhi in 15 days, 54 cases reported daily: Women, girls dominate the numbers
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