Mumbai sees 82 missing children cases in 36 days, with sharp gender disparity

Illustration/Uday Mohite

In a span of 36 days, from November 1 to December 6, the Mumbai Police recorded 82 cases of missing children and young adults, of which 60 were female, pointing to a sharp gender disparity. While cases of missing children are not new to the city, the numbers underline the continued need for vigilance, public awareness, and stronger child protection mechanisms.

An analysis of the data shows that older adolescents were the most affected, with 18-year-olds accounting for more than half of all cases, 41 girls and 13 boys. Girls as young as five years and boys aged 11 years were among those reported missing during the period. Area-wise, police stations in Kurar Village, Vakola, Powai, Malwani, and Sakinaka reported multiple cases, indicating recurring hotspots across the city.

However, police officials cautioned that these figures do not necessarily reflect complete hotspots, as several cases go unreported due to factors such as parental hesitation, social stigma and taboos associated with missing children. Authorities said each case is being investigated and urged citizens to promptly share any information that could help trace missing children."A large number of missing children are traced within the first few days through CCTV camera checks, technical surveillance and on-ground enquiries, while efforts are intensified in cases involving minors," a police officer said.

Worrying trend

A review of month-wise data from Maharashtra Police reveals that from June to December this year, 134 minors went missing across the city, 86 of whom were girls. In June, 26 children went missing, of whom 20 were girls. The numbers dipped slightly in July (25 missing, 15 girls) and August (19 missing, 14 girls), but remained unchanged in September, with 21 missing children, including 15 girls.

In October, the figure rose again to 19 missing children, seven of them girls, followed by November, which saw 24 cases, including 15 girls. In the first six days of December, 11 children and young adults were reported missing, eight of them girls, with officials noting that the numbers are still being updated. Cops said investigations are underway in each case, and stressed that early reporting significantly improves recovery chances, urging families and the public to come forward without delay or fear.

Whom to call

112
Number that citizens can report cases of missing children to the police

1098
The Childline helpline

Data Source: Mumbai Police

Data from June to December 6 (missing Kids and 18-year-olds)

June: 70 children and young adults went missing, 56 of them girls
July: 59 missing (37 girls)
August: 51 missing (37 girls)
September: 51 missing (37 girls)
October: 57 missing (41 girls)
November: 71 missing (52 girls)
December (so far): 11+ missing (8+ girls)

Gender comparison (Nov 1 to Dec 6)

Male: 60
Female: 22

(Jun 1 to Dec 6, 2025)

Male: 268
Female: 102