‘Paid Promotion’: Delhi Police Slam Viral Claims of Surge in Missing Girls, Warn Against Panic on Social Media

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Friday dismissed viral claims on social media suggesting a sharp surge in cases of missing girls in the national capital, stating that the narrative was being deliberately amplified through paid promotions to create panic among the public.

In an official statement, Delhi Police said that after tracking multiple online posts and following several leads, it was found that the sudden hype around missing girls was not organic. “After following a few leads, we discovered that the hype around the surge in missing girls in Delhi is being pushed through paid promotion,” the police said.

Over the past few days, several posts, reels and messages have gone viral across social media platforms, warning parents and residents about an alleged spike in cases of missing girls in Delhi. These posts triggered widespread anxiety, with many users sharing the content without verification.

Delhi Police clarified that while cases of missing persons are registered and investigated as per procedure, there has been no unusual or alarming increase in such cases to justify the panic being spread online. The police urged citizens to rely only on verified information shared through official channels.

Calling the trend “irresponsible and misleading,” the police warned that strict legal action would be taken against individuals or groups found spreading fear for monetary gain or misusing social media platforms to promote false narratives. Officials said relevant provisions of the law could be invoked against those involved in creating or amplifying such content.

The police also appealed to the public to refrain from forwarding unverified posts and to report suspicious or misleading content to authorities. “Creating panic in society through misinformation is a serious offence. Citizens are advised to cross-check facts and trust official sources,” a senior officer said.

Delhi Police reiterated their commitment to public safety and transparency, adding that genuine concerns related to women’s safety are taken seriously and addressed through continuous monitoring, patrolling and investigation.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of social media for sensationalism and profit, highlighting the need for responsible online behaviour and fact-checking before sharing sensitive information.