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    Over 500 Women and Girls Reported Missing in Delhi in First Half of January 2026: Police Data

    3 months ago

    More than 500 women and girls were reported missing in the national capital during the first 15 days of 2026, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all missing persons cases registered in this period, according to official data compiled by the Delhi Police. The figures have once again drawn attention to persistent concerns around safety, tracking mechanisms and timely recovery, particularly for women and minors in the city.

    Police records show that between January 1 and January 15, a total of 807 people were reported missing across various districts of Delhi. Of these, 509 were women and girls, while 298 were men and boys. This translates to an average of about 54 missing persons reported every day during the first fortnight of the year.

    Large Number of Cases Still Unresolved

    As per the data, police have managed to trace 235 individuals so far. However, 572 people remain unaccounted for, highlighting the scale of the challenge faced by law enforcement agencies in locating missing persons within a limited timeframe.

    Among those reported missing, women and girls form a disproportionately high share. Officials noted that while recovery efforts are ongoing, a significant number of cases remain pending, especially those involving younger age groups.

    Minors a Major Area of Concern

    The data indicates that minors accounted for 191 of the total missing cases reported during the period. Girls constituted the majority within this category, with 146 missing girls compared to 45 missing boys.

    Teenagers formed the largest segment among missing minors. A total of 169 adolescents were reported missing in the first 15 days of January. Of these, 138 were girls and 31 were boys. Police records suggest that nearly 71 per cent of these teenage cases are still unresolved, underlining the vulnerability of adolescents and the complexity involved in tracing them.

    In the 8 to 12 age group, 13 children were reported missing, including eight boys and five girls. Additionally, nine children below the age of eight were also reported missing during the same period. Only six children from these younger age groups have been traced so far, according to the data.

    Adults Form Largest Absolute Category

    While minors and women feature prominently in the statistics, adults continue to represent the largest category in absolute numbers. During the first half of January, 616 adults were reported missing in Delhi. This included 363 women and 253 men.

    Police were able to trace 181 adults, but 435 adult missing cases are still pending. Officials say adult cases often involve a wide range of circumstances, including family disputes, migration for work, mental health issues and other personal factors, which can complicate investigations.

    A Persistent Trend Over the Years

    The latest figures reflect a broader and long-standing trend in the capital. In the entire year of 2025, Delhi recorded more than 24,500 missing persons cases. Women accounted for over 60 per cent of these cases, continuing a pattern seen over several years.

    A decade-long analysis shows that nearly 2.3 lakh people have been reported missing in Delhi over the past 10 years. Of these, around 52,000 cases remain unresolved, indicating that a substantial backlog continues to exist despite ongoing recovery efforts.

    Police Response and Ongoing Efforts

    Senior police officials said that tracing missing persons remains a priority, with special attention given to cases involving women and children. Dedicated teams, coordination with other states, use of technology, and alerts through various networks are among the measures being used to locate missing individuals.

    Officials also pointed out that many cases eventually involve people who have left home voluntarily due to personal or economic reasons. However, they acknowledged that delays in tracing, lack of timely information, and inter-state movement often pose challenges.

    Need for Broader Measures

    Experts and civil society groups have repeatedly stressed the need for stronger preventive mechanisms, improved coordination between agencies, faster information sharing, and greater community awareness. They argue that early reporting, counselling support, and better monitoring systems can play a crucial role in reducing the number of unresolved cases.

    The latest data, while limited to just the first half of January, serves as a stark reminder of the scale of the issue in the capital. As Delhi continues to expand and attract migrants from across the country, ensuring the safety and traceability of its residents remains a complex and pressing task for authorities.

    Police have urged citizens to report missing cases promptly and cooperate with investigations, reiterating that timely information significantly improves the chances of recovery.

     
     
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