In what is being seen as a response to recent reports claiming that more than 800 people were reported missing in Delhi in the first 15 days of 2026, Delhi Police has said there has been no unusual rise in cases in recent months and official data shows that its detection rates of crimes have improved over time.
According to Delhi Police officials, the higher number of missing persons in Delhi is largely due to an accessible and transparent system that allows immediate registration of missing persons complaints for both children and adults.
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Reports can now be filed online or through mobile applications without prior police verification, making the process quicker and easier for the public.
A senior Delhi Police official noted that the department traces missing persons cases through a cumulative, time-dependent process and the conclusion should not be made solely within the year of registration.
“Taken together, the data suggests that Delhi’s missing persons trends remain stable, with detection rates improving over time, recent monthly figures are below historical averages, and per capita rates lower than those reported in several global capitals,” the official said.
Cases reported in earlier years continue to be resolved over several subsequent years, naturally improving detection percentages.
“For instance, in 2016, a total of 23,409 persons were reported missing. Of these, 20,029 have been traced over a nine-year period, translating into an 85 per cent detection rate,” a senior police officer in Delhi said.
“In comparison, 24,508 persons were reported missing in 2025, of whom 15,421—nearly 63 per cent—were traced within the same year itself.”
Officials point out that, as with previous years, cases registered in 2025 and early 2026 will continue to be traced in the coming years.
As of now, police records show that 77 per cent of all missing persons reported between 2016 and 2025 have been traced.
Data for January 2026 (up to January 31) shows 1,777 missing persons reports, a figure officials say is proportionately lower than recent historical averages.
In 2025, the national capital recorded 24,508 missing persons, averaging about 2,042 cases per month, while 2024 saw an average of around 2,074 cases per month. January 2025 alone recorded 1,786 cases, marginally higher than January 2026.
Year-on-year figures also suggest marginal improvement.
In 2024, Delhi recorded 24,893 missing persons, compared to 24,508 in 2025, a decline of about two per cent, indicating no major deterioration in the trend.
