How to look for missing kin in Delhi: a guide

Earlier in February 2026, figures circulated highlighting a concerning trend in the total number of missing persons in the national capital. While the Delhi Police were quick to dismiss the figures as a hoax, the fact remains that the national capital has been grappling with the issue of missing persons for a long time.

To put matters into perspective, according to official Delhi Police data accessed by PTI, a total of 807 people went missing between January 1 and 15, with an average of 54 people reported missing every day. Of these, 509 were women and girls, while 298 were men. Among the total reported missing, 191 were minors and 616 were adults.

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In light of these figures, anxiety has grown among residents regarding the safety and whereabouts of their loved ones. To assist the public, the Delhi Police maintain a dedicated platform known as the Zonal Integrated Network, or ZIPNET, which allows users to track missing persons as well as access information on unidentified bodies. For those needing to formalise a report, an online missing person complaint can be filed through the official Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) portal.

Once a First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged, authorities upload the individual’s details to the ZIPNET system, including the FIR number, date of disappearance, and tracking status. The primary objective of these complaints is to establish the person’s location so they can be safely returned to their family or guardian. To use this service, one must visit the official ZIPNET website and navigate to the missing persons section. Users can then search by entering details such as the individual’s name, gender, religion, or guardian’s name.

Furthermore, the police have emphasised their commitment to a transparent and impartial crime reporting system, stating that all complaints concerning missing persons are registered and investigated without delay. Reports can be lodged at local police stations, through digital platforms, or by contacting the Emergency Response Support System at 112. Authorities stated that standard operating procedures are strictly followed in every case, with immediate efforts initiated to locate missing individuals. Cases involving children are accorded the highest priority.

To ensure focused and effective action, dedicated missing persons squads have been deployed across all districts of the city. In addition, the Crime Branch’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit actively handles such cases, particularly those involving minors, to facilitate swift investigations and recovery. The police further clarified that, so far, no organised gangs or criminal networks have been found to be involved in the disappearance or abduction of children within Delhi.

In an appeal to the public, officials urged citizens to remain vigilant but calm, advising them not to rely on rumours or unverified information circulating on social media. Authorities warned that those found spreading panic or misinformation would face legal action under relevant provisions. The Delhi Police also advised the public to report any disappearances promptly and provide accurate information to aid investigations.

The Delhi Police stated that the number of missing persons reported annually in the national capital has remained largely stable over the past decade, with figures consistently ranging between 23,000 and 24,000 since 2016. This stability has persisted despite the city’s rapid population growth and increasing urban density.

Data released by authorities on February 4, 2026, further confirms that these figures have remained relatively constant for nearly ten years. Rather than indicating a sharp surge, the statistics point to a steady pattern, suggesting that the scale of the issue has not increased in proportion to the city’s expansion.