New Delhi: According to official data released by Delhi Police on Wednesday, the number of individuals reported missing in the national capital has maintained a remarkably consistent pattern over nearly a decade. Since 2016, annual figures have consistently hovered between 23,000 and 24,000 cases, demonstrating no significant increase despite Delhi's substantial population growth and rising urban density during this period.
2026 Begins with Notable Monthly Decline
In a departure from established trends, the beginning of 2026 has witnessed a noticeable reduction in monthly missing persons reports. Historical data typically averages approximately 2,000 cases per month, but January 2026 has bucked this pattern with only 1,777 reported incidents. This represents a meaningful decrease that authorities are closely monitoring for potential emerging patterns.
Impressive Recovery Rate and Police Initiatives
Since 2016, Delhi Police has successfully traced 180,805 missing individuals and reunited them with their families, achieving a cumulative recovery rate of approximately 77%. This statistic indicates that nearly eight out of every ten reported missing persons cases are successfully resolved through the city's comprehensive recovery apparatus.
"While any disappearance remains a serious concern, this lack of upward trajectory suggests the challenge, though persistent, has not spiralled out of control," stated Devesh Srivastava, Special Commissioner of Police (Crime).
Police officials attribute this stability to targeted initiatives like 'Operation Milap,' which specifically focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating missing children and vulnerable adults. The data reflects positive evolution in Delhi's protective mechanisms, signaling a shift toward more sophisticated, technology-driven policing approaches.
Technology-Enhanced Search Operations
High-accuracy automated facial recognition software and artificial intelligence systems are now actively assisting police forces in locating missing persons. Additionally, the Delhi Police's Asadharan Karya Puraskar, awarded to officers who successfully trace substantial numbers of missing children, has yielded significant positive results.
"Once a missing persons case is reported, our police teams immediately begin visiting shelter homes, bus stands, and neighboring states to follow available leads," explained Surendra Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime).
Areas Requiring Continued Attention
Despite consistently credible recovery numbers, the data reveals areas needing enhanced focus. The 'yet to be traced' category for females has more than tripled from 1,606 cases in 2016 to 5,576 cases in 2025. Last year, authorities traced 15,421 out of 24,508 missing individuals, leaving 9,087 cases unresolved.
Police officials note that in numerous instances, individuals who willingly leave their homes or elope often go unreported or are reported with significant delay. In cases involving minor elopements, families sometimes delay reporting returns until the individual turns eighteen, often due to legal concerns.
Pandemic Impact on 2020 Statistics
The year 2020 stands out in the dataset, with missing persons numbers dropping to 17,944—the lowest figure recorded in a decade. Authorities attribute this significant decrease to pandemic-triggered lockdowns that restricted movement and altered typical behavioral patterns across the city.
This comprehensive data analysis provides valuable insights into Delhi's missing persons landscape, highlighting both successful intervention strategies and areas requiring continued police and community attention to ensure citizen safety and wellbeing.
