Amid rising public anxiety and widespread circulation of social media posts, the Delhi Police on Thursday issued a clarification dismissing claims of a sharp surge in missing persons cases in the national capital during the first half of January 2026. The police said there was no cause for panic and described the circulating reports, especially those related to missing children and women, as misleading and exaggerated.
The clarification followed reports suggesting that more than 800 people had gone missing in Delhi between January 1 and January 15, 2026. According to those claims, women and girls accounted for a significant portion of the cases, triggering concern among residents after posters of missing persons were seen pasted on electric poles and public spaces across parts of the city.
Addressing the issue, Joint Commissioner of Police (Public Relations) Sanjay Tyagi said that rumours about a sudden increase in missing persons were being spread without proper context. In a video message shared on the official X handle of the Delhi Police, he stated that there had been no unusual rise in such cases and that data trends actually show a decline in 2026 compared to previous years.
हम यह स्पष्ट करना चाहते है कि गुमशुदगी, विशेषकर बच्चों के लापता होनें को लेकर फैलायी जा रही अफवाहों से घबराने की कोई आवश्यकता नहीं है।
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) February 5, 2026
विगत वर्षों की तुलना में गुमशुदगी के मामलों में वृद्धि नहीं हुई है।
दिल्ली पुलिस त्वरित जांच व कार्रवाई के साथ नागरिकों की सुरक्षा के लिए… pic.twitter.com/WjV1MCoTEM
“There is no need to panic over rumours being spread regarding missing persons, especially the disappearance of children,” Tyagi said, urging people to trust official information rather than unverified online claims.
The clarification came after a PTI report, citing official Delhi Police data, stated that 807 people were reported missing in the first 15 days of January. The report mentioned that 509 of them were women and girls, while 298 were men. It also noted that 191 of the missing individuals were minors and 616 were adults. While the Delhi Police disputed the interpretation of this data, they did not release revised figures, maintaining that raw numbers are often misread and sensationalised.
Delhi Police officials reiterated that a transparent and impartial crime reporting system is followed across the city. They said standard operating procedures are strictly implemented in all missing persons cases, with immediate efforts launched to trace the individual. Cases involving children are treated as top priority from the moment a complaint is registered.
The police also highlighted that dedicated missing persons squads are operational in all districts of Delhi. The Crime Branch’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit handles cases related to missing persons, ensuring focused investigation and coordinated efforts across agencies.
Citizens were reminded that missing persons reports can be filed not only at local police stations but also through online platforms and the Emergency Response Support System by dialing 112. Authorities stressed that timely reporting plays a crucial role in quick recovery.
Appealing for calm, the Delhi Police urged people to remain vigilant but avoid paying attention to unverified information circulating on social media. Officials warned that strict legal action may be taken against those found deliberately spreading misinformation that could create fear and confusion among the public.
The police advised residents to act responsibly, report missing cases promptly, and share only factual information with authorities to assist investigations and ensure public safety.