Thirty years ago, a 12-year-old named Raju left for school but never returned home. His family and the police searched tirelessly, but Raju was nowhere to be found. As three decades slipped away, hope dwindled until one day, Raju suddenly re-emerged and broke down upon reuniting with his family. This heartwarming tale originates from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
On the day Raju vanished, a squabble with his sister led him to sit alone by the roadside, unwilling to follow her. Assuming he would return on his own, his sister moved ahead. Unfortunately, as Raju sat by the road, an opportunistic group spotted him, abducting him from the street.
Raju's Journey from Ghaziabad to Jaisalmer
He was whisked away from Ghaziabad to the barren lands of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, where he was forced into herding sheep and goats under harsh conditions. Raju was given food just sufficient for survival and kept in confinement, lingering for 30 years with the haunting memory of his family back in Ghaziabad.
The Path Back to Ghaziabad
Recently, while tending the flocks, some goat buyers visited the remote area. In a desperate plea, Raju narrated his ordeal, leading them to assist in his bold escape. Concealed within their vehicle, Raju made his way to freedom.
Source: aajtak
They first brought Raju to Delhi and then arranged for his train journey back to Ghaziabad, a city he barely recognized upon arrival. Lacking any directions or familiar faces, Raju headed straight to the police station to share his extraordinary story.
The stunned officers at Ghaziabad's Kheda Police Station launched a campaign to locate his family, utilizing the power of social media and sifting through decades-old missing person reports. An inquiry revealed a missing child case filed 30 years prior from the Sahibabad precinct. Tracing this lead brought them to Raju's family, who rushed over to confirm his identity.
A Mother's Recognition
His mother recognized Raju by a distinctive mole near his heart and a subtle depression on his head. These unique identifiers corroborated with old photographs and police records, affirming his identity. Overwhelmed, Raju's father embraced him, and the room echoed with emotion as tears of joy flowed from the reunited family.
Raju's father, Tularam, who had recently retired from his job at the electricity department, was overjoyed to have his only son back after three long decades. Raju's three sisters, all married, rejoiced at their brother's miraculous return, and the household was filled with happiness beyond words.
