Ashhar Alam/New Delhi

What started as widespread panic over missing girls in the national capital has been revealed as a case of paid promotion, with Delhi Police warning of strict action against those creating fear for profit.

The controversy erupted after reports claimed that 807 people went missing in Delhi between January 1–15, with a large number of women and children. However, authorities clarified there was no unusual surge in missing cases, calling the viral claims misleading.

Delhi Police officials said investigations traced the hype to promotional campaigns linked to a film on missing children, with social media influencers allegedly amplifying the narrative. “Creating panic for monetary gains won’t be tolerated,” a police statement said.

Speculation quickly pointed to Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3, which released on January 30. The film, part of the popular cop franchise, features Mukerji as Shivani Shivaji Roy, a daredevil officer racing against time to save 93 young girls from abduction. Its trailer highlights the sensitive issue of missing children, with lines like: “In a country that worships goddesses, thousands of daughters go missing every week.”

Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani 3

A spokesperson for Yash Raj Films denied any intentional sensationalism, stating, “We strongly deny the accusations floating on social media. Our promotional campaigns are ethical and transparent, and we trust authorities to share facts in due course.”

Reddit videos and online chatter connected the film to the Delhi panic, while Mumbai Police earlier dismissed similar claims circulating in their city as misinformation, warning that FIRs would be filed against those spreading fear.

Adding context, Delhi Police noted that the January missing cases were actually lower than the monthly average, and that the city sees a consistent flow of such reports historically. Joint Commissioner Sanjay Tyagi emphasized, “There has been no increase in missing persons cases compared to previous years. Citizens should not panic over rumours.”

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Rani Mukerji, a National Award-winning actor, has also actively collaborated with Delhi Police to promote girls’ safety. She said in prior statements, “Safety is not a privilege, it is a right. Every uniform carries responsibility, courage, and compassion. The law stands with you, steadfastly.”

The episode underscores the power of social media and paid promotions in shaping public perception, while reinforcing the role of authorities in verifying facts and protecting citizens from misinformation.