Delhi, the nation’s capital, is grappling not only with rising crime but also a disturbing trend of people going missing. Over the past 11 years, more than 2.5 lakh individuals have disappeared from the city, raising serious concerns about law and order. On average, 23,221 people go missing each year, of whom approximately 18,314 are eventually found, leaving around 4,907 families waiting in anguish for their loved ones.
Adults Form Majority of Missing Cases
Adults account for the majority of missing persons. Between 2015 and 2025, 1,87,191 people aged 18 and above went missing—87,551 men and 99,668 women. Of these, 1,40,251 were traced, leaving 46,948 still missing, including 25,093 women. The highest number of missing persons, 19,047, was recorded in 2024, including 10,555 women, while 8,283 people remain untraced from that year.
Women and Children Disproportionately Affected
Over the past 11 years, more women than men have gone missing: 1,44,286 women compared to 1,11,146 men. Despite intensive search efforts, 30,105 women and 37,297 men remain missing. Among minors, 68,233 children went missing, including 44,638 girls and 23,595 boys. The year 2023 recorded the highest number of missing girls at 4,367.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily slowed the trend of disappearances, with 17,944 cases in 2020—the lowest in 11 years. While 14,655 were found, 3,289 remained missing. Post-pandemic, the numbers surged again, highlighting ongoing challenges for law enforcement.
The data underscores not only the scale of the problem but also the heartbreak endured by thousands of families as they await news of their missing loved ones. In recent years, tracing missing persons has become increasingly difficult, particularly for women and children, posing a major challenge to Delhi Police.
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