In response to escalating concerns regarding missing persons, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated suo motu cognizance after Delhi Police released alarming statistics indicating that 807 individuals were reported missing in the first two weeks of January 2026. This data reveals that 191 of the missing persons are minors, while 616 are categorized as adults. Currently, only 235 of these cases have been resolved, leaving 572 individuals still unaccounted for.

Governmental Response Required

The NHRC has formally issued notices to the chief secretary of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and the Delhi Police Commissioner, demanding a detailed account of the situation within a two-week timeframe. The Commission has expressed that the reported figures, if accurate, raise significant concerns regarding potential human rights violations and necessitate thorough examination and action.

Rising Missing Persons Cases

The action by the NHRC follows a media report published on February 5, 2026. This report highlighted that a total of 24,508 individuals went missing in Delhi throughout the year 2025, with nearly 60% of those being women. Out of the missing individuals from last year, the police were able to trace 15,421, while 9,087 cases remain unresolved.

The data further indicates a troubling trend regarding missing teenagers. Reports suggest that over 5,000 teenagers have been reported missing in Delhi each year since 2016, including approximately 3,500 girls annually. This persistent trend raises serious red flags regarding the safety and security of minors and young women in the city.

Request for Comprehensive Measures

The NHRC has called for a thorough report from the Delhi government and local police detailing their strategies for locating missing persons. The Commission has also urged the authorities to outline any additional measures that are being implemented to address the increasing number of such incidents in the capital.

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