Delhi Police and Government Respond to Claims of Rising Missing Persons Cases

New Delhi: Amid viral social media videos raising concerns over missing persons in Delhi, the Delhi Police and the city government have issued clarifications to assure the public. Officials emphasized that recovery of missing individuals is a continuous, time-intensive process that cannot be judged solely on one year’s statistics.

Recovery Rates Highlighted
Delhi Police pointed out that a significant proportion of older cases are eventually resolved. For instance, of the over 23,000 missing persons reported in 2016, around 85% were recovered over the subsequent nine years. Similarly, in 2025, 63% of missing persons cases were resolved within the same year, with recovery expected in remaining cases as well.

In January 2026, 1,777 missing persons cases were reported—lower than the average monthly figures from the previous year and January 2025—indicating no unusual spike in disappearances.

Government Statement
“There is no reason to panic. After a missing report is filed, the police make every effort to trace the individuals, and around 90% are successfully recovered,” said Ashish Sood, Delhi’s Home Minister.

Key Points from the Official Statement

1. No evidence has been found of organized gangs involved in child disappearances or abductions; rumors circulating on social media are misleading.
2. Compared to previous years, reported missing persons cases in Delhi have not increased. In fact, January 2026 saw fewer cases than the same period last year.
3. All missing persons cases are handled under strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with missing children receiving top priority.
4. Dedicated Missing Persons Squads operate in all districts, and the Crime Branch’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit actively investigates cases related to missing persons and human trafficking.
5. The public is urged not to believe or spread rumors related to missing persons. Authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against those spreading misinformation.

Delhi Police and the government have reassured citizens that systematic efforts continue to locate missing individuals while urging social media users to avoid fueling unnecessary panic.