Over 93,000 Women Reported Missing In Maharashtra In Two Years, Says Govt Data

Last Updated:February 24, 2026, 16:04 IST

In 2024, a total of 45,662 adult women were reported missing across the state. The number rose in 2025, with 48,278 women reported missing during the year.

More than 93,000 adult women were reported missing in Maharashtra over the last two years, the Devendra Fadnavis-led government informed the Assembly in a written reply. The data has once again brought focus on the scale of the issue and the challenge before law enforcement agencies.

In 2024, a total of 45,662 adult women were reported missing across the state. Out of them, 30,877 were traced. In the same year, 11,316 minor girls were reported missing, and 8,475 were found. The numbers increased in 2025. According to the government, 48,278 women were reported missing during the year. Of these, 36,581 were traced. In the case of minor girls, 12,113 went missing, and 10,295 were found.

While police have managed to trace a large number of missing persons, thousands remain unaccounted for each year. The figures show both the scale of the problem and the continued efforts to address it.

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To tackle the issue, the government has been running Operation Muskaan since July 2015. The special drive focuses on tracing missing children and reuniting them with their families. Till 2024, 13 phases of Operation Muskaan were conducted across the state.

The 14th phase is currently underway in early 2026. As per the data shared in the Assembly, between the launch of this phase and February 16, 2026, police have traced 454 boys and 947 girls. The government also provided figures for teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18. Between 2024 and 2025, 4,989 boys and girls in this age group were reported missing. Out of them, 4,813 were traced.

Officials maintain that police teams are actively working on missing cases, using local intelligence, digital tracking and coordination between districts. Special focus is given to cases involving minors.

The data highlights a serious social concern. While many families are reunited with their loved ones, the steady rise in missing cases shows the need for stronger preventive measures, awareness, and faster response systems.

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