The year 2026 has begun on an alarming note for the national capital. According to official data released by the Delhi Police, over 800 people went missing between January 1 and January 15, 2026. This translates to an average of more than 50 people disappearing without a trace every single day, painting a grim picture of the city’s security landscape.

The data further highlights a disturbing trend: women and minor girls constitute approximately 63% of the total missing cases. Out of the 807 reported incidents in the first 15 days of 2026, only 235 people have been recovered. This leaves 572 individuals—including 435 adults and 143 minors—still missing. The significant rise in the disappearance of teenage girls (aged 12-18) has sparked fears of organized kidnapping rackets and criminal syndicates being active in the city.

The historical data from ZIPNET (Zonal Integrated Police Network) shows that while Delhi has grappled with missing persons cases since 2015, the sudden spike in early 2026 has raised serious questions about police responsiveness and public safety. With 50 families losing a member every day, the crisis in the capital is no longer just a statistic but a severe social and administrative challenge that requires immediate intervention.