800 people missing in Delhi a paid promotion? The claims made by police will blow your mind

Amid uproar over Delhi Police data showing that 807 people, including women and children, have gone missing in the Capital between January 1 and 15, Delhi Police has issued a clarification on its X account. In a stern statement, Delhi Police said that the hype around the surge in missing girls in Delhi is 'paid promotion' and warned action against people who create panic for 'monetary gains'. "After following a few leads, we discovered that the hype around the surge in missing girls in Delhi is being pushed through paid promotion. Creating panic for monetary gains won't be tolerated, and we'll take strict action against such individuals," Delhi Police said in a post on X. There's a speculation on social media that the claim of 800 people missing in the capital is linked to the promotional buzz of a recently released film.



On Thursday, Delhi Police sought to allay public concerns and stated there is "no cause for panic or fear" as the figures actually reflect a decline compared to the same period in previous years. According to the official police data, a total of 807 people went missing between January 1 and 15. This means an average of 54 people went missing every day. Of these, 509 were women and girls, and 298 were men. Among the total reported missing, 191 were minors, and 616 were adults.


An analysis of the data shows that not only the total number of people who have gone missing has not changed much over the last three years, 1,684 people went missing in January 2024, followed by 1,786 in 2025 and 1,777 this January, according to the Indian Express. This means the number of children reported missing in the Capital has also not witnessed an alarming change.

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2026 saw decline in number of missing persons in Delhi

Delhi Police, in an official statement said that although data was recorded, January 2026 witnessed a decline in missing persons reports compared with the same period in previous years, as per PTI. However, the Delhi Police did not disclose the exact total for the month.

The police added that they follow a transparent and impartial approach to crime reporting and all the complaints related to missing persons are promptly registered and investigated. Such reports can be filed not only at local police stations but also through online platforms and the Emergency Response Support System (112).



"Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are strictly followed in all missing persons cases. Immediate efforts are initiated to trace the missing individual, with cases involving children being accorded the highest priority," the statement read.

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The police further clarified that no organised gang or criminal network has been found involved in cases of missing or abducted children in Delhi so far. Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Devesh Chandra Srivastava said, “No organised gang or criminal network has been found involved in cases related to missing or abducted children in Delhi so far. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are strictly followed in all missing persons cases. Immediate efforts are initiated to trace the missing individual, with cases involving children being accorded the highest priority.”

Appealing to the public to remain vigilant but calm, the police urged people not to pay heed to rumours or unverified information being spread through social media and other platforms. Officials warned that those found spreading panic or misinformation would face action under relevant legal provisions.

The Delhi Police also advised citizens to promptly report any missing person and share accurate information with the authorities to aid investigations.

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800 people missing in Delhi?

More than 800 people were reported missing in Delhi in the first 15 days of 2026, with women and girls accounting for nearly two-thirds of the cases, according to data released by the Delhi Police, reported PTI. Between January 1 and 15, a total of 807 missing person cases were registered, averaging around 54 cases per day. Of these, 509 were women and girls, while 298 were men.

Amid reports that 807 people went missing in Delhi in the first 15 days of 2026, the data shared by the Delhi Police indicates that the number of missing persons in the city has remained largely consistent over the past decade. Since 2016, the annual figure has hovered between 23,000 and 24,000, with no sharp rise despite rapid population growth and increasing urban density. Notably, the start of 2026 has shown a dip in the monthly number of missing persons cases in the city.