Delhi Police Debunks Social Media Claims of Missing Girls, Warns Against Paid Misinformation

Delhi Police officials on Friday clarified that recent viral social media posts suggesting a surge in missing girls across the national capital were artificially amplified through paid promotions, and warned of legal action against those spreading such misinformation for financial gain.

“After following a few leads, we discovered that the hype around the surge in missing girls in Delhi is being pushed through paid promotion. Creating panic for monetary gains won’t be tolerated, and we’ll take strict action against such individuals,” Delhi Police stated in an official release as reported by the Hindustan Times.

The police department backed its statement with comprehensive data showing that January 2026 actually recorded fewer missing persons reports compared to monthly averages from previous years. According to official statistics, a total of 1,777 people were reported missing in January 2026, which falls below the monthly averages seen in 2024 and 2025, when Delhi recorded 24,893 and 24,508 missing persons reports respectively across the entire year.

A breakdown of the first half of January revealed that 807 people were reported missing between January 1-15, averaging 54 individuals daily. Of these, 509 were women and girls, while 298 were men. The data further categorized the missing as 191 minors and 616 adults.

In their clarification, Delhi Police emphasized that these statistics include numerous short-term absence reports that don’t necessarily indicate abductions or long-term disappearances. The department explained that Delhi’s online and app-based reporting system allows residents to quickly file missing persons reports even in situations where someone might simply be temporarily unreachable or running late.

“Many such cases are traced quickly but still appear in official statistics, as parents do not report tracing of children/persons,” the police statement noted, highlighting how the raw numbers can create a misleading impression without proper context.

The department reiterated its commitment to transparent crime reporting and thorough investigation protocols. All missing persons complaints are promptly registered through multiple channels, including local police stations, online platforms, and the Emergency Response Support System (112). Cases involving children receive the highest priority under standard operating procedures.

To address missing persons cases effectively, dedicated squads operate across all districts in the capital. Additionally, the Crime Branch’s Anti Human Trafficking Unit specifically focuses on cases involving missing persons, with special attention given to children to ensure rapid investigation and recovery efforts.

In a particularly significant point of clarification, authorities stated they have found no evidence suggesting the involvement of organized criminal networks or gangs in the abduction of children in Delhi, directly countering one of the most alarming narratives circulating on social media.

The Delhi Police’s response comes amid growing concerns about misinformation campaigns on social media platforms that can generate widespread panic. Digital information experts note that such misleading claims often gain traction through emotional appeals and sensationalism, particularly when targeting parents’ fears about child safety.

The incident highlights the increasing challenge law enforcement agencies face in combating digital misinformation that can rapidly spread through paid promotion features available on major social media platforms. Delhi Police’s warning about legal consequences for those monetizing such misinformation represents an escalation in their approach to tackling this modern phenomenon.

Citizens are encouraged to verify information through official channels before sharing concerning reports about public safety, and to report suspicious social media content that appears designed to create unwarranted public panic.