New Delhi: A shocking wave of disappearances has hit the national capital in the new year. According to the latest data released by the Delhi Police, over 800 people have been reported missing in just the first 27 days of January 2026.
This alarming statistic has raised serious safety concerns across the city. The data highlights a worrying trend where women and children make up the majority of those missing. While the police have traced some individuals, hundreds remain untraced, leaving families in panic.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the situation, the numbers, and the specific cases that are making headlines right now.
The Shocking Numbers: What the Data Says
The official report shares a grim picture of safety in Delhi for January 2026. Between January 1 and January 27, a total of 807 people were reported missing. This averages out to roughly 27 people disappearing every single day.
The recovery rate is currently struggling to keep up with the new cases:
- Total Missing: 807
- Traced/Found: 235
- Still Untraced: 572
This means that more than 70% of the people reported missing this month have not yet been found.
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Women and Children at High Risk
The most disturbing part of the report is the gender and age breakdown. The data clearly shows that women and children are the most vulnerable targets.
- Women: Out of the total cases, nearly 509 were women and girls.
- Minors (Children): 191 children were reported missing.
- Untraced Kids: Out of those 191, only 48 have been found. 137 children are still missing.
- Teenage Girls: Among the missing minors, 120 are girls, showing a sharp gender skew that points towards possible trafficking or targeted abduction rings.
Latest Case: Guwahati Youth Vanishes from Metro Station
While the statistics paint a broad picture, individual cases are causing fear on the ground. A fresh incident reported on February 4, 2026, involves a young man named Prabin Srivastava from Guwahati.
Prabin had travelled to Delhi to participate in a dance competition. He was last seen at a Delhi Metro station before disappearing under mysterious circumstances. His mobile phone is reportedly still ringing, but no one is answering.
His family suspects kidnapping by a criminal gang and has lodged an FIR at the Dispur Police Station (Assam) while coordinating with Delhi officials. This incident inside a high-security zone like the Delhi Metro has shocked many commuters.
Police Response and Investigation
The Delhi Police have stated that they are using technical surveillance and local intelligence to trace the missing individuals. They argue that many “missing” cases involve adults leaving on their own accord due to family disputes. However, the high number of missing children (especially teenage girls) forces authorities to investigate angles of human trafficking and organized kidnapping.
For the Guwahati youth case, a special investigation is underway to track his phone location and CCTV footage from the metro station.
Why This Matters
For years, Delhi has struggled with the tag of being “unsafe” for women and children. The start of 2026 has unfortunately reinforced this fear.
- Trafficking Fears: The high number of untraced teenage girls suggests that organized gangs may be active.
- Safety of Public Transport: Kidnappings or disappearances from transport hubs like Metro stations rattle public confidence.
- Low Recovery Rate: With 572 people still missing from just one month, the pressure is on the police to improve their recovery speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What should I do if someone goes missing in Delhi?
Immediately dial 112 or 100 to inform the police. You do not need to wait 24 hours to file a missing person report. Go to the nearest police station and lodge an FIR.
Q2: Is there a specific helpline for missing children?
Yes, you can dial 1098 (Childline) for any help regarding missing or distressed children.
Q3: Are these kidnapping gangs or random incidents?
It is a mix of both. While some adults leave due to personal issues, the high number of missing teenage girls suggests the involvement of trafficking gangs in specific areas.
Q4: How can I check the status of a missing person?
You can visit the ZIPNET (Zonal Integrated Police Network) website, where the Delhi Police updates photos and details of missing and found persons.
Q5: Is the Delhi Metro safe?
Generally, yes. It has CCTV cameras and security guards. However, always stay alert, travel in groups if possible during late hours, and keep your family informed of your live location.