Lapta ladies (लापता लेडीज़) Anchor :- In the national capital, Delhi, the number of missing women continues to outnumber men. Data from January 2026 highlights this dire situation. A total of 1,777 people went missing during this period, including 1,116 women and 661 men. Worryingly, the percentage of women found was significantly lower than that of men. According to Delhi Police, a total of 625 people, or 35.39 percent, who went missing in January 2026 have been traced. Out of 661 missing men, 275 (41.60 percent) have been found, whereas out of 1116 missing women, only 354 (31.72 percent) have been traced. This means that a total of 1148 people, or 64.60 percent, are still missing. This includes 58.59 percent men and 68.72 percent women. However, it is a matter of relief that the number of missing persons is declining on an annual basis. From 10,141 missing persons in 2024, this number dropped to 9,638 in 2025. Similarly, the total number of missing persons has also decreased slightly. According to the data, In 2023, a total of 24,481 people went missing, of which 17,599 were found. In 2024, 24,893 people went missing, and 16,416 were found. In 2025, 15,421 people were found out of 24,508 missing cases. Although the number of missing persons is decreasing, the rate of recovery has not improved as expected. Delhi Police sources says that a free registration system for missing persons is in place in the capital. As soon as a child or person is reported missing, a case is registered immediately, even if the person returns home shortly after. Many times, when the missing person returns on their own, people do not report it to avoid police or court action. This is why the number of missing cases appears higher in the data. Police have clarified that there is no organized gang active in Delhi that kidnaps children or women. According Delhi Police official, all police stations and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit were instructed to gather information about missing persons in the years 2024, 2025, and 2026. During this period, 341 people were contacted by phone, of whom 45 have returned home. Police say that timely reporting of missing persons is crucial so that records can be updated and the actual figures can be revealed. Every day, a name is recorded in the police station register—someone's son, someone's sister, someone's daughter. For some, it's just an entry, but for some families, it's a moment when the whole world comes to a standstill. According to Delhi Police data, 1,116 women went missing in January, but only 354 of them were found. This means that two out of every three women still haven't returned home. The question isn't just about statistics, it's about the faces lost in these numbers. Many women go to work, some leave for studies, and some leave due to domestic disputes or family pressure. Police officials say that a large number of women leave home voluntarily, but circumstances prevent them from returning. Social fear, financial helplessness, and identity crisis block their path. The law classifies the disappearance of teenage girls as a kidnapping. In many cases, these girls go away with friends or acquaintances, but the legal process becomes lengthy and complicated. During this time, families, police, and society are left in a state of confusion. The number of missing cases has certainly declined year after year, but the percentage of women found still raises questions. Experts agree that police action alone will not solve this problem. Social awareness, family dialogue, and the economic and mental security of women are equally important.