Argus News - Odisha Family’s 11-Year Wait Ends as Son Returns After Being Found in Bangladesh

Baripada, Dec 7: For 11 long years, a family in Mayurbhanj district lived with a wound that refused to heal -- waiting, hoping, and praying for the return of a son who had vanished without a trace. Today, that hope finally took the shape of reality.

Sudam Hembram of Jagannathpur village under Paunsia Gram Panchayat returned home after 11 years of disappearance. Sudam, who is mentally unstable, had unknowingly crossed the India–Bangladesh border years ago and was later found in Chapai Nawabganj, Dhaka.

The breakthrough came on October 28 when the High Commission of India in Dhaka contacted the Mayurbhanj district police with information about a man matching Sudam’s identity. The police verified his details and immediately initiated the process for his repatriation.

A joint team comprising officials of the Mayurbhanj district police, district administration, and Sudam’s family members travelled to the Haridaspur/Benapole land check post on December 6. After completing all formalities, Bangladeshi authorities officially handed Sudam over to the Indian side earlier today.

Police officials stated that the rescue was made possible due to the seamless coordination between the Mayurbhanj Police, district authorities, and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

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Sudam’s return marks the end of an 11-year ordeal for his family, who had lived with uncertainty and heartbreak but never lost hope. As he stepped back onto his homeland, his family embraced him with tears, gratitude, and relief -- closing a painful chapter and beginning a new one filled with healing.