Delhi Police records from 2015 to 2025 reveal that 695 children and teenagers remain untraced in the capital despite extensive search operations. While a majority of missing minors were recovered, the overall number of missing persons across all age groups currently stands at 53,977. Law enforcement agencies continue to operate specialized squads like the Anti Human Trafficking Unit and Missing Person Squads to track these individuals and reunite them with their families.
Official Statistics for Missing Persons in Delhi (2015-2025)
The data released by the police provides a comprehensive look at the missing person cases reported over the last decade. During this 11-year period, Delhi saw an average of nearly 63 people going missing every day. Below are the key numbers related to children and the general population:
| Category | Total Missing Reported | Total Traced/Found | Still Untraced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children (Under 18) | 5,559 | 4,864 | 695 |
| Total Persons (All Ages) | 2,55,432 | 2,01,455 | 53,977 |
Police Action Against Human Trafficking and Rumors
Human trafficking remains a major challenge for the Delhi Police. Between April 2023 and January 2026, the police rescued 6,759 minors from various parts of the city. These children were primarily brought from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. In addition to rescue operations, the police have established a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) since April 2022, which mandates immediate reporting and makes it compulsory to file a case if a minor goes missing.
In February 2026, the Delhi Police addressed rumors about a sudden spike in missing children. Officials clarified that there has been no involvement of any organized kidnapping gangs. They stated that some reports of increasing missing girls were part of a paid promotion likely related to a Bollywood film. Joint Commissioner Sanjay Tyagi urged the public to stay calm and report missing cases immediately on the 112 emergency number or at local facilitation desks, emphasizing that the first 48 hours are critical for recovery.
