The usually quiet town of Chidawa, situated in Ward No. 8 of Old Basti, is currently overshadowed by deep anxiety and worry. A local family is frantically searching for their son, Sunil, a young man aged between 24 and 25, who mysteriously went missing from the spiritual site of Bageshwar Dham in Madhya Pradesh nine days ago. Since that fateful day, the family has been battling immense emotional turmoil and financial hardship, holding on to hope that their beloved son will return safely.
Sunil’s Journey to Bageshwar Dham: A Quest for Healing
Sunil’s disappearance is all the more heart-wrenching when one considers the reason behind his visit to Bageshwar Dham. Like many others seeking solace, Sunil’s family had taken him to this holy place with a simple hope—to find relief from his ongoing health troubles. Sunil had been suffering from a minor nerve-related ailment along with frequent, debilitating headaches that troubled him daily. With faith in the healing power of spirituality, the family embarked on this pilgrimage on August 8th, carrying hopes that this sacred journey would bring peace and healing to Sunil’s troubled mind and body.
The trip was not just a routine visit; it was a deeply personal endeavor by a family trying everything within their means to help their son. They left their home full of hope and prayers, unaware that the days ahead would unfold into a distressing nightmare.
The Day Sunil Vanished: A Sudden Disappearance
The morning of August 9th began like any other, with the family exploring the spiritual grounds of Bageshwar Dham. However, things took a devastating turn around noon. Sunil briefly stepped away from the group to buy a small item known locally as “pudiya,” a snack often sold at such pilgrimage sites. His father was nearby and watched as Sunil walked away.
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But within a mere five minutes, Sunil disappeared without a trace.
The bustling crowd, unfamiliar surroundings, and the sheer size of the area made the situation chaotic and frightening. His father’s immediate realization that something was terribly wrong sparked an urgent search. The family’s journey, initially filled with hope, rapidly descended into a desperate quest to find their missing son.
Early Search Efforts: Hope and Disappointment
For four to five long days, Sunil’s family tirelessly combed through every nook and corner of Bageshwar Dham. They called his name repeatedly, questioned strangers, and sought help from the “sevadars” — the dedicated volunteers and staff at the dham. These sevadars kindly assisted the family in announcing Sunil’s disappearance to visitors and locals alike.
In an effort to seek divine intervention and official guidance, the family secured a meeting with the revered Guru of Bageshwar Dham. The Guru advised them to file a formal petition, known as an “arji,” and to perform the ritual of tying “nare” — sacred threads symbolizing their plea and prayers for Sunil’s safe return. The family also participated in a “darbar,” a spiritual assembly intended for guidance and blessings.
Unfortunately, the darbar lasted only about an hour and a half, and their turn to speak never came. This left them without the answers or reassurance they desperately sought. The lack of concrete support during this crucial time weighed heavily on the family’s spirits.
Broadening the Search and Facing Financial Hardships
Mysterious phone call With no luck within the dham premises, the family expanded their search to nearby villages, including Khajral and other surrounding communities along the roads leading from Bageshwar Dham. They walked for hours, knocked on doors, and asked every passerby if they had seen Sunil.
Every person they encountered was a potential lead, every alley a possible hiding place for their son.
However, the prolonged search soon drained the family’s financial resources. Being from a modest background, the costs of travel, accommodation, and food in an unfamiliar place became unsustainable. Faced with these overwhelming challenges, the family was forced to make the painful decision to return to their hometown, Chidawa.
This move meant leaving the immediate vicinity of Sunil’s disappearance without any new clues, adding to the anguish and helplessness they felt.
Police Involvement and Official Steps
Upon returning home, or perhaps even while still in Madhya Pradesh, the family reported Sunil missing to the local police. The authorities responded by circulating Sunil’s description and details across multiple police stations throughout Madhya Pradesh, ensuring a wider net was cast in the search.
The police also assured the family that they would be contacted immediately if Sunil was found. Additionally, they promised to raise awareness by publicizing the case in local newspapers and through other media channels. This expanded reach is crucial, as public vigilance often plays a vital role in locating missing persons.
A Mysterious Phone Call: A Clue or a Dead End?
One of the more puzzling moments in the search came on the morning of August 10th. Between 6 and 7 AM, a family member attempted to call Sunil’s mobile phone. To their surprise, a woman answered.
When asked about Sunil, she simply said, “There is no Sunil here.” The voice on the other end left the family confused and alarmed. They recognized Sunil’s voice from previous calls but couldn’t understand how a woman was now holding his phone.
When pressed for more information, the woman abruptly ended the call, and since then, Sunil’s phone has been switched off. This cryptic call remains a disturbing and baffling clue in the ongoing search, offering more questions than answers.
A Family’s Heartbreaking Plea
Sunil’s family is shattered. His father shares how the constant anxiety has robbed them of peace and appetite. The house feels empty, echoing with Sunil’s absence. There were no known disputes or issues at home that might explain his sudden disappearance. Though Sunil had dropped out of his studies, there was never any indication that he would leave without a word.
His mother holds on to the hope that wherever Sunil is, he might find peace and happiness.
The family now turns to the public with a heartfelt appeal: if anyone has any information about Sunil or has seen him, please come forward. They are willing to travel anywhere, at any time, to bring their son back home safely.
