Shocking Numbers: Over 130 Women and Girls Go Missing Daily in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal, MP: Madhya Pradesh is facing a worrying crisis concerning the safety of women and girls. According to official data presented in the state assembly, an average of 130 women and girls go missing every day in the state. Between 2020 and 28 January 2026, a total of 274,311 cases of missing women and girls were reported.

Tracking the Numbers
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, in a written response to the assembly, stated that of these cases, 235,977 women have been traced, while 68,334 remain unaccounted for. On average, more than 45,000 women go missing each year, equating to roughly 3,700 per month and 130 per day. The trend has been consistent over the past six years, with the numbers rising from over 30,000 in 2020 to more than 40,000 in 2023. Early 2026 reports indicate that over 1,000 women have already gone missing in just the first few weeks.

Cities and Regions Most Affected
Major cities such as Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Ujjain have recorded high numbers of missing women. Tribal and border districts also show a concerning gap between reported and traced cases. Experts warn that these patterns highlight systemic vulnerabilities in law enforcement and raise fears of human trafficking, forced marriages, and exploitation.

Voices of Concern
Congress MLA Vikrant Bhuria, who raised the issue in the assembly, emphasized that the scale of missing women reflects structural failure, not just a law-and-order issue. “When thousands of women go missing with no trace, it is not a routine matter. This is a humanitarian crisis comparable to international exploitation scandals,” he said.

Key Takeaways:

1. 274,311 women and girls went missing in MP from 2020 to 28 January 2026.
2. 45,000 missing per year on average, highlighting serious law-and-order concerns.
3. Major cities and tribal districts alike show alarming trends in disappearances.
4. 68,334 women remain untraced, raising concerns over trafficking and exploitation.
5. The crisis continues into 2026, with over 1,000 missing cases reported in just the first weeks.

The figures underline a growing humanitarian challenge in Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing the urgent need for improved accountability, transparency, and protective mechanisms for women and girls across the state.