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.