More than 800 missing persons cases have been reported in Delhi. While the Delhi Police has urged the public not to panic, claiming paid promotion and warning of strict legal action against rumours, citizens are concerned. The NHRC to take suo motu cognizance based on a media report.
Recently, the first two weeks of January 2026 have seen a sharp rise in the number of missing cases in Delhi, particularly involving minors and women. Sources report that more than 800 people have gone missing; while many have been traced, several remain unaccounted for. Delhi Police has urged the residents not to panic. Assuring that public safety remains its priority, the Delhi Police has claimed that the data has been manipulated for promotional purposes and states to be a marketing tatic.
In view of the rising cases, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance, while the Delhi High Court has issued notices to both the State government and the police in this regard.
The first two weeks of the year recorded a total of 807 missing cases in Delhi, including 191 minors and 616 adults. Among them, 500 women have gone missing. While 235 people have been traced, 572 remain unaccounted for.
The Delhi High Court has asked both the centre and the police to answer the petition filed by one of the NGOs highlighting the "unprecedent crisis" with the next hearing scheduled for Feburary 18.
Although the Delhi Police continues its investigations, these figures have created a sense of alarm among the residents of Delhi. Parents fear for their children’s safety amid reports of kidnapping attempts, and a recent missing case reported on a university campus has further heightened concerns among college students.
The Delhi Police has reported a significant decline in the number of missing cases this year and has warned that the figures are being manipulated creating panic for promotional purposes. In a statement, the police said,
"After following a few leads, we discovered that the hype around the surge in missing girls in Delhi is being pushed through paid promotion. Creating panic for monetary gains won't be tolerated, and we'll take strict action against such individuals."
The statement has been linked to Rani Mukerji’s film Mardaani 3, which focuses on crime and child trafficking. While the police have termed it a marketing tactic, Yash Raj Films has strictly denied any sensationalizing in the same. A spokeperson from YRF informed ANI stating that
"Yash Raj Films is a 50-year-old company founded on the core principles of being highly ethical and transparent. We strongly deny the accusations floating on social media that Mardaani 3’s promotional campaign has deliberately sensationalised a sensitive issue like this, and we have immense trust in our authorities that they will share all facts and truths in due course of time.”
As debates over the alleged manipulation of numbers continue, the police statement has sparked widespread public discussion. Public fears safety and are of the opinion that even if the current figures are the lowest, even if a single child is missing his/her life should be a top priority. The police have assured 24×7 availability and safety, especially for children.
In one of its statements, Delhi Police has strongly remarked on strict legal action for spreading rumours or any kind of manipulation of data.
Recent public discourse has raised concerns about the welfare of children in Delhi. We appeal to the citizens not to fall prey to the rumours about the spurt in the cases of missing children.
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) February 5, 2026
While denying such claims, we also warn rumour mongers of strict legal action for…
Delhi Police Warns About Strict Legal Action (Source: X)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu notice of a media report that shows a dramatic increase in cases involving missing persons in Delhi. The Commission has sent notifications to the Commissioner of Police and the Chief Secretary of the Delhi government, stating that the situation is a significant human rights concern and requesting a thorough report within two weeks.
To read more about the Suo Motu Cognizance Click Here
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported Delhi Police data indicating 807 people missing in Delhi during the first two weeks of January 2026; Only 235 of them traced so far
— PIB India (@PIB_India) February 9, 2026
Issues notices to the Delhi Chief Secretary and the Police Commissioner, calling for a…
NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of the Missing Cases (Source: X)
Data from 2025, which showed that roughly 60% of the 24,508 missing people cases in the capital included women, further highlights the issue. Despite the fact that more than 15,000 people were located, over 9,000 cases are still pending, and teenagers especially girls continue to be particularly vulnerable.
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