Delhi Sees 807 Missing Cases in First 15 Days of 2026, 191 Minors Among Them; Women Form Majority

807 People Reported Missing in Delhi in First 15 Days of 2026, Women and Minors Most Affected

New Delhi: Delhi reported a sharp rise in missing persons cases at the start of 2026. Police data shows that 807 people were reported missing between January 1 and January 15, averaging more than 59 cases every day. A large number of those missing are women and minors, raising serious safety concerns in the national capital.

According to official records, women make up the majority of missing cases. Out of the total 807 reports, 509 were women and girls, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all cases during this period.

191 Minors Reported Missing

The data also reveals that 191 missing persons were minors. This includes 146 girls and 45 boys under the age of 18. Teenagers formed the biggest group among missing children, with 169 adolescents reported missing, most of them girls.

Police officials said that while some minors have been traced, many cases remain unresolved, causing distress among families.

Adults Also Form Large Share

Adults account for the largest share in overall numbers. Between January 1 and January 15, 616 adults were reported missing. This includes 363 women and 253 men. Authorities confirmed that several adults have not yet been located, and investigations are ongoing.

Police teams are working across districts to trace missing individuals, especially in cases involving women and children, which are treated as high priority.

Public Safety Concerns Grow

The high number of missing cases has triggered concern among residents, women’s groups, and child safety activists. Many have questioned the effectiveness of existing safety measures and demanded stronger action from authorities.

Experts say factors such as migration, family disputes, employment-related movement, and exploitation networks may contribute to missing cases. However, they stress that each case needs individual investigation.

A Continuing Pattern

The recent figures are part of a larger trend. Delhi has consistently recorded a high number of missing persons every year. In 2025 alone, over 24,000 missing cases were reported in the city, with women forming the majority.

Over the last decade, Delhi has seen lakhs of missing person reports, though police say a significant number of individuals are eventually traced. Still, a large number of cases remain pending at any given time.

Police Response

Delhi Police said efforts are being intensified to trace missing persons faster. Special teams, data tracking, and coordination with other states are being used to locate individuals. Officials also urged families to report missing cases without delay.

As numbers continue to rise, safety of women and children remains a major concern in the capital, with renewed calls for stronger prevention and quicker response systems.