NHRC Takes Action as 807 People Go Missing in Delhi

New Delhi, February 9: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken note of a media report citing data from the Delhi Police. This data reveals that 807 individuals went missing in the capital during the first two weeks of January this year.

According to the data, the missing individuals include 191 minors and 616 adults. So far, 235 people have been located, while 572 remain unaccounted for. If the claims in the news report are accurate, they raise serious concerns regarding human rights violations. Consequently, the NHRC has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of the Delhi government and the Commissioner of Delhi Police, demanding a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

A media report dated February 5, 2026, indicated that a total of 24,508 people were reported missing in Delhi during 2025, with nearly 60 percent being women. While the police managed to locate 15,421 missing persons, 9,087 cases remain unresolved.

The report also highlights the increasing risks faced by teenagers, noting that since 2016, over 5,000 teenagers, including approximately 3,500 girls, have gone missing each year.

In response, the Delhi Police have dismissed reports of a sudden rise in missing children cases. They have warned those spreading rumors of facing strict legal action for misrepresenting data and causing unnecessary panic.

The police refuted claims of an increase in missing persons, stating that official data does not show any unusual rise, and figures have remained relatively stable over the past decade. Despite the rapid population growth in the national capital, annual missing persons statistics have consistently ranged between 23,000 and 24,000 since 2016.

On February 6, the Delhi Police appealed to citizens on the social media platform ‘X,’ urging them not to fall for rumors regarding a sudden increase in missing children cases. They reiterated their commitment to the safety of every child, emphasizing that the Delhi Police are dedicated to providing 24/7 service to locate missing or abducted children and reunite them with their families as quickly as possible.

–
S.C.H.