The family members of a youth, who had migrated to Gujarat in search of work and had been missing for over a year, urged the administration to trace him. The matter has been reported from Mardiguda village under Mohana block in Gajapati district.
According to sources, Ujjala Mallick, a resident of Mardiguda village, tempted by the offers made by a middleman of nearby Dhepaguda village, went to Gujarat in March 2022 to work as a labourer. Some other youths of his village had also migrated along with him.
Later, all except Ujjala returned to the village. The distressed family members did everything to contact him but to no avail. With no option left, they lodged a missing report at Mohana Police Station in May last year.
The family alleged the administration has not lifted a finger to trace Ujjala.
“My daughter-in-law has visited the police station. The Sarpanch told her that they wouldn’t try until a bribe is paid. I want to see my son alive,” said Sita Mallick, Ujjala’s mother.
Urging the administration to trace the missing youth, a villager Jadu Paika said, “About one-and-a-half years have passed since he went missing. He was a very helpful youth in our village. He was the sole breadwinner of the family. I would like to request the administration to take steps to find him out.”
When contacted, Mohana block chairman, Ranjib Sabar said, “We will do our best to trace the missing youth.”