The new year has begun on a disturbing note for residents of the national capital. Official data from the Delhi Police reveals that a large number of people have gone missing in the city within the first fortnight of 2026, raising serious concerns about public safety.

Between January 1 and January 15, a total of 807 people were reported missing in Delhi—an average of around 54 individuals every day. What is particularly worrying is that women and children make up the majority of these cases.

According to the data, 509 of the missing persons are women and girls, while 298 are men. Even among adults, the number of missing women (363) is significantly higher than that of men (253), casting doubt on repeated claims regarding women’s safety in the capital.

Children have not been spared either. In just 15 days, 191 minor children have been reported missing, which means approximately 13 children disappear every day. Even more concerning is that around 71% of missing minors and teenagers have not yet been traced, highlighting the vulnerability of young people in the city.

These figures underline the urgent need for stronger preventive measures, faster investigation mechanisms, and greater public awareness. As Delhi grapples with these unsettling numbers, questions continue to be raised about the effectiveness of the city’s safety and security systems—especially for women and children.