5 days on, no trace of Odisha boy missing during birthday trip to Puri

A youth from Kanpur village in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district has been missing for nearly a week after setting off on a birthday trip to Puri. Despite frantic efforts, his whereabouts remain unknown, plunging his family into deep anxiety.

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According to the FIR lodged in this connection, the young man had informed his family that he was heading to Puri from Balikuda market by bus on August 24, his birthday. Since then, there has been no trace of him.

What has intensified the mystery is a disturbing photo that recently went viral on social media. The image allegedly shows the youth tied to an electricity utility pole, hands and feet bound. His family, who recognised him in the photo, fears he is in danger and has appealed for urgent help.

The family has filed a missing person complaint at Balikuda Police Station in Cuttack district. Acting on a tip-off from the viral photo, police are questioning a local Dhaba (roadside eatery) owner.

Sources say the youth had gone to eat at the dhaba but was allegedly tied up when he failed to pay the bill. However, it is still unclear where he is now or what his current condition is.

The missing youth had recently returned to his village from New Delhi, where he worked for a private company. His sudden disappearance has sparked fear and outrage in the local community. Family members are in tears, clinging to hope that he will be found safe.

Police investigations are underway.

“My son had gone to Puri on Sunday. After he did not return home, we became worried. He had taken Rs 600 from his mother with him. As he did not return, we searched for him at all probable locations. In the meantime, a youth named Milu from Mangarajpur uploaded a photo on social media. Perturbed by the photo, we launched a frantic search again. But there is still no trace of him,” the missing youth’s father said.

Reported By: Manas