Kolkata, Nov 27 (NationPress) A woman from Madhya Pradesh, who had been thought to be missing for nearly 20 years since her disappearance during the Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal, has been located in Bangladesh. Currently, efforts are being made to facilitate her return to India and reunite her with her family.

This incredible achievement was made possible by the dedicated amateur radio operators of the West Bengal Radio Club (WBRC), who tirelessly work to connect missing individuals with their loved ones through their extensive network.

"Our associates in Bangladesh alerted us to a woman named Radhika, approximately 70 years old, who was found begging on the streets. When we inquired about her husband, she did not respond. The only word she uttered was ‘Sagar’. The first action we took was to investigate if anyone matching that description had gone missing from Sagar Island in the southernmost part of West Bengal. After verifying she was not from the island, we broadened our search," explained Ambarish Nag Biswas, secretary of WBRC.

The HAMs began investigating various locations in India named Sagar, which led them to a woman from Khajra village in the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, who had vanished during her pilgrimage to Gangasagar.

"She had traveled to Gangasagar with a group of pilgrims but got separated and inadvertently joined another group from Bangladesh. Back then, pilgrims from Bangladesh would secretly travel to Sagar Island via trawlers. It seems Radhika boarded one of those vessels, ultimately reaching Bangladesh. Left to survive on the streets, she resorted to begging," Nag Biswas recounted.

At the time of her disappearance, Radhika was married and had three sons. Sadly, her husband, Baliram, and one son, Puran, have passed away. Her remaining sons, Rajesh and Ganesh, now live and work in Delhi.

"Upon receiving recent photographs of Radhika, we noted a stark difference from her previous appearance. She not only looked older but was also covered in dirt and grime from years of living on the streets. We arranged for her to visit a salon, where she was cleaned up and provided with new clothing. When we sent her post-makeover pictures to her son Rajesh, he recognized her immediately," Nag Biswas shared.

Both Rajesh, his brother, and their fellow villagers in Madhya Pradesh are amazed by what they consider a miracle and eagerly anticipate her return.

"My mother went on a pilgrimage, but her return will feel nothing short of a pilgrimage for me. I will see God in her," expressed Rajesh.

The WBRC has informed the officials overseeing the Gangasagar Mela, who have pledged their full support. The Bangladesh High Commission and the Ministry of External Affairs have also been notified, assuring all necessary assistance.

Radhika's reunion with her family may soon become a reality.