25 years on, Karnataka woman traced in Himachal Pradesh, reunited with family

BALLARI: A woman aged 50, who lost contact with her family for about 25 years, was traced in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Officials confirm that Sakamma, originally from Dananayakanakere village in Ballari taluk, will soon rejoin her family.25 years ago, Sakamma attended a relative's wedding in Hosapete with her children. She accidentally boarded a train to Chandigarh and subsequently lived through difficult circumstances across various North Indian states. She ultimately found herself at a refugee facility in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district.During investigation, her children reported that their mother was missing, and registered a police complaint. They had even performed funeral rites for what they believed to be their mother's remains after police discovered a body eight days following her disappearance.Mandi district police officer Ravinandan BM, who hails from Karnataka, discovered Sakamma's situation. He recorded her conversation and sent it to his colleague Vijay Kumar in Bengaluru, who then shared it on X on Thursday.Sakamma's recorded testimony revealed her hometown as Dananayakanahalli near Hosapete. She described her journey to Mandi district by train and her extended stay there. She also mentioned having siblings in her village.P Manivannan, principal secretary of the social welfare department, contacted Mandi district's SP Ravinandan on Thursday after seeing the post. The department has now taken charge of arranging Sakamma's return.Social welfare department officials, including Basavaraj NG, senior warden at Harapanahalli hostel, and wardens J Manikanth and Bharathi, have reached Mandi. They will assist Sakamma's journey from Bhangrot refugee camp to Chandigarh airport and onwards to Bengaluru. DC Prashant Kumar Mishra confirmed that Sakamma will be transferred to Ballari after meeting social welfare department officials."Our mother went missing when we were kids. Now she has been found, we are very happy," said Yallappa, Sakamma's son who lives in Guggarahatti near Ballari.