Authorities Say Fear Was Spread Through Paid Social Media Promotions

The Delhi Police have rejected viral claims suggesting a sudden rise in cases of missing girls and children in the national capital. Officials clarified that the panic circulating online was intentionally created through paid social media promotions for financial gain.

Police have warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals or groups spreading fear and misinformation.

Police Urge Citizens Not to Believe Rumours

Delhi Police have asked the public not to fall prey to rumours about a sharp increase in missing children cases. According to officials, the claims lack context and misrepresent routine data.

The issue came to light after several viral posts alleged that 807 people went missing in just the first 15 days of January 2026, sparking widespread concern on social media.

Paid Promotions Found Behind Viral Posts

Delhi Police Trace Panic to Monetised Content

After investigating multiple leads, Delhi Police confirmed that the viral narrative around missing girls was amplified using paid online promotions.

Officials stated that some individuals deliberately boosted posts to earn money and attract attention, even though the data used did not indicate any unusual trend.

Police stressed that creating public panic for profit will not be tolerated.

Data Taken Out of Context

No Sudden Surge in Missing-Person Cases

Authorities explained that while 807 missing-person cases were reported in the first half of January, the figure aligns with normal monthly averages.

Delhi typically records around 2,000 missing-person cases every month, based on data from previous years.

January 2026 Missing-Person Data

• Total cases reported: 1,777

• Women: 509

• Men: 298

• Minors: 191

• Adults: 616

• Cases traced: 235

• Cases untraced: 572

For comparison, over 24,500 people were reported missing in Delhi in 2025, with around 9,000 cases remaining unresolved by the end of the year.

‘Mardaani 3’ Makers Respond to Allegations

Yash Raj Films Deny Any Link to Viral Claims

The viral posts also dragged the upcoming film ‘Mardaani 3’, starring Rani Mukerji, into the controversy. Some users alleged that the missing-person panic was part of the film’s promotional strategy.

Responding to the claims, Yash Raj Films strongly denied any involvement. A company spokesperson stated that the studio follows ethical and transparent practices and has not sensationalised any sensitive issue for publicity.

The filmmakers said they trust authorities to present the facts clearly.

Political Reactions Amplified the Issue

Several political leaders and influencers shared the viral claims, adding to public concern. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal described the situation as “alarming” and questioned public safety in the capital.

Police clarified that while public concern is understandable, sharing unverified claims worsens panic and misleads citizens.

What the Official Data Shows

Long-Term Trends Remain Stable

Police records show no unusual spike in 2026:

• January 2026: 1,777 cases (below the monthly average)

• 2025 total: 24,508 cases (around 2,042 per month)

• Annual average since 2016: 23,000–24,000 cases

Initiatives like Operation Milap and AI-based tracking tools have helped reunite over 180,000 missing persons with their families between 2016 and 2025, achieving a 77% recovery rate.

However, police acknowledged that the number of unresolved female cases has increased over the years, showing the need for continued focus and stronger prevention efforts.

Delhi Police Stand Firm Against Misinformation

Authorities reiterated that spreading fear for money or propaganda is a punishable offence. Citizens have been advised to rely only on official police data and verified sources.

While missing-person cases remain a serious issue, police said the situation is being handled through systematic investigations, technology-driven tools, and dedicated recovery operations.