The disappearance of 807 people in Delhi within just the first 15 days of 2026 has raised serious concerns about public safety in the national capital, prompting political reactions and renewed scrutiny of law enforcement preparedness.
According to official figures, an average of more than 50 missing persons cases were reported daily between January 1 and January 15. The data includes adults, women, children, and teenagers, with a notable number of cases involving women and minors, intensifying fears around vulnerability and security in the city.
The figures have drawn sharp reactions from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which described the situation as alarming. Party leaders questioned how such a high number of disappearances could occur in a short span and argued that it reflects deeper issues in policing and governance. They stressed that the safety of residents, especially women and children, must be treated as an urgent priority rather than a routine statistic.
AAP leaders said the frequency of disappearances cannot be normalised and warned that citizens are increasingly feeling unsafe in what is meant to be one of the most heavily policed cities in the country. The party also urged families to remain vigilant and called for stronger preventive measures at the neighbourhood level.
In response, Delhi Police officials have maintained that missing persons reports are a recurring challenge in a city with a large and mobile population. Police sources stated that the number of cases recorded in early January aligns with long-term trends, noting that thousands of missing persons cases are registered annually in the capital.
Officials further pointed out that a significant proportion of those reported missing are eventually traced and reunited with their families through ongoing investigations, technological tracking tools, and coordination with other states. Recovery rates, they said, remain high when viewed over a longer period.
Despite these assurances, civil society groups and safety advocates argue that statistics alone cannot reduce the distress faced by families waiting for news of loved ones. They emphasise that each missing person represents a human tragedy and called for faster response times, better communication with families, and increased transparency in investigations.
The issue has reopened a broader debate about urban safety, policing capacity, and accountability in Delhi. While authorities insist the numbers do not indicate a sudden crisis, the scale of the disappearances has undeniably unsettled residents and intensified calls for stronger safeguards.
As the discussion continues, the focus remains on whether systemic improvements can ensure that missing persons cases are addressed with urgency, sensitivity, and sustained public trust.
Subscribe Deshwale on YouTube
