The Delhi Police said on Thursday that reports of more than 500 women and girls missing from the national capital in the first 15 days of the new year are “rumours”, and said that there has been no increase in cases of missing persons when compared to previous years.
The statement by Sanjay Tyagi, Joint Commissioner of Police/Public Relations Officer, Delhi Police, was shared on the Delhi Police's X account.
"We wish to clarify that there is no need to panic over the rumors being spread regarding missing persons, especially the disappearance of children," it stated.
Tyagi, in his video message, further claimed that there has been a decline in missing persons cases in Delhi in 2026 as compared to previous years.
Delhi Police released the message after PTI reported, citing official Delhi Police data, that 807 people went missing in Delhi from 1 January to 15 January 2026. This meant that on average, 54 people went missing every day in Delhi. Out of these, 509 were reportedly women and girls, while 298 were men. Moreover, among the total number of missing persons, 191 were minors while 616 were adults.
Although the police called the data incorrect, they did not provide any updated data regarding missing persons.
The Delhi Police said they follow an impartial and transparent crime-reporting policy. One can lodge a missing persons report with the Delhi Police not only by visiting their local police station, but also by using online platforms and the Emergency Response Support System (112), they said.
"Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are strictly followed in all missing persons cases. Immediate efforts are initiated to trace the missing individual, with cases involving children being accorded the highest priority," the statement read, as per PTI.
The Delhi Police has also deployed dedicated missing persons squads in all districts to ensure swift and focused action. The Crime Branch's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit handles cases related to missing persons.
Delhi Police appealed to citizens to remain calm but vigilant, and not to pay heed to unverified information spreading on social media. They have also warned of legal actions against those found spreading misinformation.
It advised the public to report missing-person cases promptly and to share factual information with the authorities to assist in their probes.
