82 children go missing in Mumbai in 36 days as police report majority are girls

children go missing in Mumbai in alarming numbers, with police data revealing that 82 minors and young adults were reported missing between November 1 and December 6 this year. Bharat Details reviewed official information that shows a clear rise in disappearances, particularly among girls, prompting renewed concerns over safety across several neighbourhoods.

According to investigators, 60 of the 82 missing persons during this period were girls, with 18-year-old females forming the largest group. Police records show that 41 missing girls and 13 boys were 18 years old, while younger children were also among those untraceable — including a five-year-old girl and an eleven-year-old boy.

Police stations in Kurar Village, Vakola, Powai, Malwani and Sakinaka reported multiple cases, marking these areas as repeated points of vulnerability.

Officials told Bharat Details that the figures being reported do not fully reflect the ground reality. Many families delay or avoid filing complaints due to social stigma, fear of judgement, or hesitation about involving law enforcement.

An officer involved in the tracking operations said that missing complaints involving minors receive immediate attention:
“Most missing children are traced within the first few days through CCTV footage, technical analysis, and field enquiries. Our response becomes even more aggressive when children or adolescents are involved.”

A troubling six-month pattern

Bharat Details reviewed the Maharashtra Police data from June to December 6, which reflects a steady rise in missing cases across Mumbai:

• June: 70 missing (56 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 (till Dec 6): 11+ missing (8+ girls)

Although some earlier reports showed different tallies for minors alone, the broader data clearly shows girls continue to be disproportionately impacted in every month.

Unverified social media rumours add confusion

During the same period, various unverified messages circulated on WhatsApp and social media platforms, including AI-generated images claiming kidnapping attempts outside residential societies and schools. Police have not confirmed the authenticity of these viral forwards.

Authorities have cautioned residents not to rely on unverified claims and to contact official helplines when in doubt.

Also read: No WhatsApp Without Active SIM: New Government Rules Bring 6-Hour Auto Logout & Mandatory SIM Binding

Recent case shocks Nalasopara

In a tragic recent incident, police in Nalasopara recovered the body of eight-year-old Mehtaj Mustafa Shaikh from a building’s water tank on December 8. The child had been missing since December 3 after stepping out of his home around 1 pm without informing his parents. The investigation into his death is ongoing, and the case has intensified calls for quicker reporting and monitoring of missing children.

Emergency contacts for reporting missing children

• 112 – Police emergency line
• 1098 – Childline helpline for missing or vulnerable children

Police continue to urge citizens to report missing cases immediately, explaining that delays significantly reduce the chances of tracing children safely. With the rising trend in disappearances, early information is now considered crucial for successful recovery efforts.

As Mumbai witnesses a steady increase in missing minors and young adults, authorities stress that the city’s safety depends on swift reporting, community vigilance, and responsible verification of information.