The Delhi Police was quick to dismiss viral reports claiming a spike in missing persons cases in the national capital. Calling the reports misleading and panic-inducing, the authorities stated that the hype was being peddled through “paid promotion” by certain individuals. While the Delhi Police did not name any specific perpetrators, social media was abuzz with speculation that the alleged hype was intentionally created to promote the recently released Rani Mukerji-starrer Mardaani 3. Several netizens claimed that the marketing team of Yash Raj Films, which backed the film, was responsible for amplifying the narrative online.
Did Mardaani 3 makers hype data?
“According to the makers, Mardaani 3 focuses on a new issue involving the kidnapping of young girls aged 8–9 years from low-income groups across the country for a specific reason. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the film was released in theatres on January 30. Reports of missing persons during this period drew attention, leading many to believe that the news was connected to the film, which is based on a similar theme.”
Mid-Day reached out to Yash Raj Films for a response to the allegations on the team of Mardaani 3. In an official statement, a spokesperson strongly denied the claims, saying, “Yash Raj Films is a 50-year-old company founded on the core principles of being highly ethical and transparent. We strongly deny the accusations floating on social media that Mardaani 3’s promotional campaign has deliberately sensationalised a sensitive issue like this. We have immense trust in our authorities, who will share all facts and truths in due course of time.”
All about missing persons report in Delhi and Mumbai
According to official Delhi Police data accessed by PTI, 807 people were reported missing between January 1 and 15. Of these, 509 were women and girls, while 298 were men. Among the total cases, 191 involved minors and 616 were adults. The staggering data led to sensational headlines, rampant social media forwards inducing panic among citizens.
Addressing the concerns, Delhi Police posted on social media, stating, “There is no need to panic over rumours being spread regarding missing persons, especially the disappearance of children. There has been no increase in missing persons cases compared to previous years.”
Delhi Police PRO Sanjay Tyagi on Thursday said that, compared with previous years, there has been no increase in missing-person reports in the city. In fact, January 2026 saw fewer such cases than in the same period last year.
“There is no need to fear or panic regarding the missing persons in Delhi, especially children. Compared to the past, there has been no increase in reporting missing persons in Delhi. In January 2026, compared to the same period last year, there has been a drop in reporting missing persons. It is also worth mentioning that Delhi Police follows the policy of fair and transparent reporting of crime,” Tyagi said in a video released by Delhi Police.
Mumbai also witnessed similar panic-inducing reports recently. Debunking the claims, Mumbai Police issued a statement saying, “Misinformation regarding missing and kidnapped children is being circulated by some handles. Such claims are denied, and FIRs are being registered against those spreading rumours and creating panic.”
